“The seniors expressed a desire to go on an outing, so my group organised an excursion to the Bukit Canberra Butterfly Garden. The two-hour activity utilised public transportation from Precious Active Ageing Centre Yishun to Bukit Canberra and back, with a leisurely stroll through the butterfly park in between. This outing received much positive feedback from the seniors, who enjoyed the companionship of other seniors and the volunteers.

The opportunity to share stories with each other during the walk also helped to foster community bonding. For example, Auntie Anne shared her knowledge of the plants in the park and reminisced about her youth. This led to other seniors also joining in a vibrant discussion.

Through this activity, our group aimed also to promote a culture of regular exercise among the elderly. Physical activities help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, releasing endorphins, the “feel good” hormone which alleviates stress and promotes a positive mood.

While the seniors enjoyed the outing, some did struggle to keep up with the walking pace. We had to take multiple breaks. Despite the challenges, their smiles and genuine appreciation motivated us to do more in the upcoming sessions.”