Tamil Murasu – Seniors Who Have Found Renewal in Old Age

An event titled the “Festival of Hearts” was held to bring together seniors from different communities. The celebration combined the SG60 milestone with New Year festivities.

Nearly 200 senior citizens from organisations such as Project Smile, the Muslim Association for Kidney Patients, and the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home took part in the event. Reflecting Singapore’s multicultural spirit, the festival showcased a community‑led approach to supporting the mental and social well‑being of older adults.

Organised by Project Smile, a recognised public welfare charity, the event was held at the Crowne Plaza complex at Changi Airport on Saturday (January 17). Dr Wan Rizal, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, attended as the Special Guest.

As a culminating event of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, the Festival of Hearts highlighted the lived experiences of senior citizens, their ongoing contributions, and the importance of ageing with community cohesion.

While Singapore has made significant progress in healthcare and active ageing, mental and social well‑being remain crucial—and often overlooked—aspects of ageing. Social isolation and weakened social bonds can affect the quality of life of older adults, even when other forms of support are available.

The Festival of Hearts aimed to create a shared space for recognition, connection, and social bonding at the start of the year. It brought seniors together not merely as beneficiaries, but as valued participants within the wider community.

The transitions that come with old age, particularly retirement, can subtly affect an individual’s sense of purpose and belonging. Project Smile addresses this by engaging seniors in familiar environments, allowing relationships to grow naturally and giving emotional needs the dignity of being recognised.

One of the participants, Mrs Nagammai Sathappan, 79, joined the Project Smile senior programme two years ago. An enthusiastic participant, she enjoys art and sewing classes and has formed strong friendships within the Tamil‑speaking community. She dedicates two days each week to these activities and says she does not feel like she is growing older.

Mrs Parvathy Sankaralingam, 50, a member of the Project Smile organising committee, works closely on initiatives related to elderly well‑being, development, and companionship. Drawing on her IT background and proficiency in Tamil, she plays a key role in translation and digitalisation efforts, helping seniors access and participate in the programmes more easily.

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