Seniors brisk walk to health at Suntec City Mall

Contributed by Karen Ho

Suntec City Mall, Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Some 1,000 seniors from the People's Association participated in a 1.7km brisk walk at the Suntec City Mall held in conjunction with the Active Ageing Carnival 2009.

Mr Richard Cheng, 56 years old, from the Pasir Ris Elias Community Club (CC), together with his wife (Mdm Lam), 2 daughters and three-year-old grandson took part in this event. The couple had only started to participate actively in CC activities three years ago as concerns of ageing and awareness of the need to exercise grew.

Richard became fitter and healthier after he joined the Qigong Group at his CC. Mdm Lam, a homemaker, was initially shy and reserved and was hesitant in joining her husband. However, she was convinced to try Qigong after seeing the great improvement in her husband's health.

Now, Richard and his wife participate regularly in activities such as cycling, qigong, brisk walking and stretching exercises at the Pasir Ris Elias CC. They are also active volunteer leaders in the community, helping to conduct strength training exercise at the CC twice a month for fellow seniors, as they wanted to share with their peers all the benefits of exercise.

Mdm Lam is not only healthier; she has also widened her social circle through participating in CC activities.

Richard and Mdm Lam are happy that they had participated in the activities together as a couple as it has also helped strengthen their bond. They make it a point to bring their children and grandson to take part in activities.