Stories

As the sole caregiver for her husband, Mr Ang, who is in and out of hospital due to his multiple illnesses and depression, the couple receives monthly food rations from Yong-en. *Mdm Ang also participates regularly in Yong-en’s La Kopi programme, which has become a lifeline for her.

When asked how she is coping, Mdm Ang reflects, “What to do? I just try my best to live and be there for my husband.” During a home visit by Katherine, Senior Social Worker, to check in on her well-being, Mdm Ang shared that while in search of respite and friendship, she had tried visiting Active Ageing Centres but was turned away, as she is an Indonesian, on a long term visit pass.

Wistfully watching her neighbours and fellow seniors enjoy activities like morning exercises and festival celebrations, she often felt isolated. Recognising the importance of social connection, Yong-en initiated La Kopi to address the rise of senior isolation and to help establish new, meaningful friendships.

Since La Kopi began, she has not missed a single gathering! She has formed close bonds with Mdm S and Mdm A, whom she met through La Kopi and realised were her neighbours. Mdm Ang visits their homes to check in with them, especially since Mdm S has mobility issues, and Mdm A has limited vision in one eye.

One of her cherished moments was an excursion organised by Yong-en, supported by a regular, corporate partner. Reflecting on the friendships she built and the activities she enjoyed, Mdm Ang tells us, “I’m so grateful to be part of this and I found a renewed sense of purpose and joy in my golden years.”

With Yong-en’s support, Mdm Ang hopes to continue caring for her husband while building new friendships. Yong-en strives to be a stepping stone for seniors to live life more meaningfully, creating a community that values and uplifts.

*Name is changed for privacy protection.