Elderly sing to their hearts' content at our active ageing centre
Tzu Chi volunteer Liu Sheau Chain from Taiwan, known by her stage name Shang Guan Ping, started her career in 1970 as a singer who used to live in Singapore. She has been staying in Taiwan for most of the time in recent years. This year, when she came back to Singapore for a short stay of a few months, she seized the opportunity to teach singing at Tzu Chi Senior Engagement and Enabling Node (SEEN) in Bukit Batok, where she engaged in joyful interactions with the elders.
On a seemingly quiet afternoon, we entered (the centre) and found... What a crowd.
Tzu Chi volunteer Liu Sheau Chain, stage name Shang Guan Ping, is a well-known singer from the 70s who now spends most of her time teaching singing to repay society. She has arranged four special teaching sessions at SEEN Bukit Batok in August this year.
Singing instructor, Liu Sheau Chain: We can't vocalise with our throats, we have to use our laughing voice “ha-ha”, let's “ha-ha”.
Singing instructor, Liu Sheau Chain: Singing can help you forget your worries, increase your lung capacity, and activate your cells. Most importantly, the elderly are willing to come out of their house. It doesn't matter if you don't know how to sing; as long as you have a voice and dare to sing, you will be very happy.
Student, Leong Chou Kok: It's good to be here today and have some fun, it's delightful. (You are in a better mood, right?). Yeah, I’m happy. I’ve nothing to do at home. That's what life is all about, got to hang out. (Did you make any new friends?) Yes, these are all my new friends.
Student, Yeo Siew Hong: I’m so happy, so I brought my son.
Ling Kian Yew, who accompanied his mum, was even more engrossed in it himself.
Mdm Yeo‘s son Ling Kian Yew: I see them singing so happily and not just seated doing nothing, it feels so high. (I feel as if you're happier than your mother) Love you guys!
It's less about teaching songs but more about exchanging happy music scores.
Singing instructor, Liu Sheau Chain: Everyone sang well, and I had a great time too teaching this crash course.
