Changi Simei, Singapore, 11 Dec 2010
It was a cool morning and by 7.30am, more than 250 residents of various ages and diverse background from Changi Simei RC Zone 1 had gathered at the Basket Ball Court for a sole purpose; to interact through a walk covering 2.5 km distance. One American PR by the name of John was also in the midst of the locals.
For those who are physically agile and fit, the 2.5 km walk was a breeze to them. For the senior folks and younger children, it was a challenge to them. Nonetheless, there were many senior citizens whom had returned to the start point at Blk 106 in quicker time than I had previously thought. These senior folks were those health conscious ones who participated in brisk walks and other forms of daily exercise groups. If all our senior folks are part of any group, I can only conclude that our senior folks will be in a better position in both their mental and physical agility. Unfortunately, they are still many senior folks who prefer to be coped at home rather than coming out to join others. The respective RCs will need to work harder to recruit these senior folks into their folds.
The brisk walk began with an aerobic exercise conducted by Chairman, Changi Simei RC Zone 1’s Senior Citizens Executive Committee. Ms Jessica Tan our Member of Parliament was with the residents performing the warm up exercise which I thought was suitable for residents of all ages. I was too busy snapping photographs thus I did not join them.
After the warm up exercise, Ms Jessica Tan flagged off and also joined the brisk walk. The residents response to the flagged off was fantastic. Many walked at a faster speed and were physically and mentally fitter than I had thought. The fitter they are, the healthier they are and less likely to fall sick. We may not be aware that being sick consumed resources in term of productivity, money and time and being physically and emotionally uncomfortable. Therefore, there is a need for more physical activities to be organised and more health screening.
The Citizens’ Consultative Committee is working with Changi General Hospital to roll out a programme known as the Eastern Cluster Health Outreach programme. In view of funding, we have set a numbers and on a first come first served basis. The programme includes health screening at an affordable cost. Participants must remain in the programme for 3 years that is going for health screening annually for 3 years. Medical workers will be on hand to provide advices on healthy living base on the results of the screening. There are details that the CCC is still working out. There is also another programme for senior citizens known as the Wellness Programme where senior folks as part of our health programme and at the same time to draw out the seniors from their home for interactive programme. Like the ECHO, details will be released at a later date.
Coming back to the Brisk Walk, residents who completed the walk exchanged their coupons with goodies bags similar to collecting the completion medal after the marathon. Many were happy to receive their goodies bags as that were their achievements. I thought it was a good idea to give to hand over the goodies bags at the end of the walk.
Residents were also treated to a late breakfast after the walk. Many who came with families and friends gathered for their own interaction to enhance family bonding or forging deepened friendships among themselves. They sat in groups, happily eating their breakfasts and some made for their second rounds to eat to their hearts content.
When their tummies were filled, there was a line dance demonstration, games like putting and lucky draw. NEA and police also set up their booths to educate residents on dengue prevention and basic knowledge on crime prevention. Prizes were given to winners who could fulfill the games’ requirements as some form of skills would be required to complete these games.
After over one year of planning, consulting residents and obtaining the necessary support from residents to upgrade the precincts in EC Zone 1 and 2 under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, the NRP is now in its final planning stage. The relevant agencies had already given their final approval on the works and designs that we want and the project is now in its tender stage. If all goes well, works on the NRP would commence in the 2nd Quarter of 2011. Once completed, residents would see a rejuvenated precinct in RC Zone 1 and 2 followed by RC Zone 3 and 4 which our Member of Parliament had announced the upgrading project for these two zones.
On the rejuvenated precinct, I am also looking towards to the completion of the works for the benefits of residents. After more than 20 years of the estate’s life, it is time to create a new external environment, all thanks to Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo, our Member of Parliament who has taken up the renewal issue with HDB after the announcement of the NRP programme by our Prime Minister during his 2008 National Day Rally. This is just one aspect of renewing the hardware and the other piece is to promote the software through creating vibrant activities to bring all communities together as ONE community. The day will come sooner if all our residents come out to join our programmes.
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Tong Seng's Blog 