{"id":3330,"date":"2025-10-15T09:30:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T09:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peranakan.org.sg\/theperanakanmagazine\/?p=3330"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:18:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T10:18:08","slug":"kasih-sayang-tak-kenal-umor-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peranakan.org.sg\/theperanakanmagazine\/kasih-sayang-tak-kenal-umor-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Kasih Sayang Tak Kenal Umor: Caring for Our Seniors with Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nyonya Karen Wee Siew Lin, CEO of Lions Befrienders Service Association,
shares her tips on caregiving for the modern baba and nyonya.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Tua bukan beban, tapi pusaka hidup.”<\/em> Old age is not a burden, but a living treasure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Our Heritage, Our Responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In every nyonya’s kitchen and every baba’s story lies a reminder: we are a people who treasure our elders. Their wisdom, customs, and love have carried us through generations. Yet in today’s fast-paced, digital world, many seniors find themselves alone, isolated, or left behind\u2014especially those who are frail, living alone, or without family nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 Caring Tips for the Modern Baba\/Nyonya Caregiver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are taking care of your parents, grandparents, or elderly neighbours, here are some practical and heart-led ways to support our seniors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Rasa Sayang Starts with Listening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like we listen to panton or old songs, take time to listen to your senior’s stories. Ask them about their kampong days, their favourite dishes, or their courtship tales. This strengthens emotional bonds and preserves precious memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lions Befrienders’ volunteers are trained to use reminiscence therapy techniques to engage seniors who may be lonely or withdrawn.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2. Nurture with Familiar Food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food is medicine and memory. Prepare comfort dishes like ayam buah keluak or pongteh, which bring joy and appetite. Involve seniors in food prep\u2014even if it’s just washing vegetables. It gives them a sense of contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through nutrition programmes and social dining sessions, Lions Befrienders ensures frail seniors stay nourished and connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image of courtesy of Colin Chee.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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3. Embrace Digital Baba\/Nyonya Ways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many seniors feel left behind in a digital world. Help them use a smartphone to see their grandchildren or join a Zoom kueh-making class. Lions Befrienders runs digital literacy classes tailored to seniors\u2014even those who never went to school. Our partnership with DBS Foundation and IMDA has helped thousands of seniors learn how to use technology safely and confidently.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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4. Watch for Signals of Stress or Decline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes in sleeping, eating, or mood can be early signs of depression or dementia. Don’t wait for a crisis. Early action can prevent long-term decline. Lions Befrienders’ staff and partners provide assessments, home visits, and care referrals so seniors get help early.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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5. Don’t Do It Alone\u2014Rely on the Kampong Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caregiving can be lonely. Reach out to Active Ageing Centres like those by Lions Befrienders. From caregiver talks to respite services, we’re here to support you. As the Peranakan saying goes, “Se\u2019orang tidak boleh buat semua kerja.<\/em>” (One person cannot do all the work.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stories from the Heart | Mdm Teow Swee Cheow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n