Josephine has been at the Bendemeer Active Ageing Centre for nine years, almost as long as Mdm Kamsiah has been attending activities. In that time, the two have become good friends — even with a language barrier between them, as Mdm Kamsiah speaks primarily in Malay. It’s not just Josephine she’s grown close to, Mdm Kamsiah shares, but everyone at Lions Befrienders. “They’re all like sons and daughters to me.” Mdm Kamsiah’s good humour and can-do spirit have left their mark on many. “She’s always open to anything,” Josephine says. With a smile, she recalls how Mdm Kamsiah eagerly performed as part of the Centre’s Hari Raya celebration, and even happily appeared in a TikTok video for Lions Befrienders.

What makes Mdm Kamsiah’s enthusiasm all the more striking is how different her days used to look. “Before, my life was boring,” she says. “Just going up and down from my house every day. Walking here or there. Nothing new.” Though she lives with her family, they’re often out working, leaving her alone for long stretches of the day.

Joining the Active Ageing Centre gave her something to look forward to. She isn’t the only one whose life has changed. Over the years, more and more seniors have begun coming. A decade ago, Josephine and Mdm Kamsiah both recall, the centre was much quieter. “Sometimes it takes a long time to convince some seniors to join us,” Josephine shares.