Retirement Remixed

Our Stories

June 4, 2025

For Mr. Leong Chong Fye, retirement became his most rewarding chapter yet. What began as a search for peaceful days transformed into something far richer at Lions Befrienders (Active Ageing Centre @ Clementi 366), – where volunteering for the Dementia Programme with fellow volunteer, Tony, bloomed into friendships with him and other members.

Retirement surprised Mr. Leong not with solitude, but with connection. Between helping seniors rediscover forgotten memories and exchanging hearty laughs over potted plants, he found that true fulfillment grows when we nurture others. This is active aging redefined: where every shared story and planted seed makes life fuller.

Finding New Purpose in Retirement

After more than 30 years in the manufacturing industry, Mr. Leong retired at 58 years old. It was a conscious decision—he wanted to step away from the stress of work and enjoy a simpler, more peaceful life sooner. In the early years, he kept himself busy with travel and personal hobbies, but soon, he felt something was missing.

“I had too much free time,” he recalls. “A friend suggested volunteering, and that’s how I found Lions Befrienders.”

At first, he wasn’t sure what to expect. But as he started joining activities at the center, he realised that being a volunteer wasn’t just about helping others—it was about forming genuine connections and enriching his own life.

“觉得好像认识很多朋友了，很满足。”
(It feels like I’ve made many friends, and that’s fulfilling.)

A Natural Fit for Volunteering

Mr. Leong quickly became an active volunteer since 2017, assisting in exercise sessions, games, and outings for seniors. He found himself drawn to the Dementia Programme, where he could apply what he had learned from taking dementia care courses at the Institute of Mental Health.

“I wanted to understand dementia better,” he explains. “You never know when someone close to you might need help.” The courses gave him knowledge, but volunteering at Lions Befrienders (Active Ageing Centre @ Clementi 366) Dementia Programme gave him real experience.

Through Lions Befrienders, Mr. Leong was able to put his learning into action—helping dementia members stay engaged, providing companionship, and observing small but significant improvements in their well-being.

A Special Bond with a Fellow Volunteer

Among the friendships he has made, one of the most special is with Tony.

“From the start, we just clicked,” Mr. Leong says with a grin. “It’s like we’re on the same channel.”

In today’s words, you could say that they vibe.

The two friends lead dementia sessions together, balancing each other’s strengths. While Tony impresses with his gardening skills, Mr. Leong engages seniors through conversations—reminiscing about past places and food that they can relate to.

“We learn from each other,” Mr. Leong shares. “Tony’s really good with plants—he taught me how gardening can help calm the mind. And I try to bring my energy and knowledge into the sessions, making sure everyone is involved.”

Mr. Leong also feels that his age gives him a unique connection with the seniors.

“我的年纪跟他们差不多一样，所以他们的经历我比较了解。”
(I’m around the same age as these seniors, so I can better understand their experiences and emotions.)

This shared understanding has made his volunteer work even more meaningful, as he can deeply relate to the challenges and joys that come with aging.

What Happens in the Lions Befrienders’ Dementia Programme?

Every session is carefully structured to stimulate memory, encourage movement, and bring joy to seniors with dementia.

Familiar songs & music: Singing tunes from the past can bring comfort and spark recognition.
Storytelling & reminiscing: Volunteers prompt seniors with photos, objects, and simple questions to help them recall fond memories.
Gentle physical activities: Simple hand exercises, puzzles, and craft-making keep minds and bodies engaged.
Gardening & sensory experiences: Many seniors enjoy touching soil, smelling flowers, and feeling a sense of accomplishment when planting something.

Over time, Mr. Leong has seen small but meaningful progress—seniors who were once quiet and withdrawn begin smiling more and interacting with them.

Facing Life’s Challenges with Cheer

Despite his cheerful demeanor, Mr. Leong has faced personal health challenges. In 2019, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. But true to his nature, he kept it private, not wanting to cause unnecessary worry to people outside his family.

“It was the early stage,” he says simply. “I just focused on getting treated.”

With the support of his wife, children, and close family, he underwent treatment and regular check-ups. Volunteering helped him stay active and maintain a positive mindset.

Encouraging More Men to Stay Active

One of the things Mr. Leong values most about Lions Befrienders is the opportunity to form new friendships.

“I’ve made between 10 to 20 close friends here. In our younger years, we make friends at school or work. But as we grow older, if we don’t actively expand our social circles, life can become very small.”

He strongly encourages other seniors—especially men—to join community activities.

“Women tend to be more social,” he observes. “They make friends more easily. But men? We’re a bit more reserved.”

What he appreciates about Lions Befrienders is the freedom it offers. They give members the space to express themselves. He has a suggestion for Active Aging Centres (AACs) in general: they could offer more courses that appeal to men, like DIY workshops, woodworking, or basic electrical repairs.

“Not every man wants to do flower arrangement or knitting,” he explains. “But give us something hands-on—like fixing things or making furniture—and I think more men will join in.”

The Best Is Yet to Come

For Mr. Leong, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about remixing life with purpose, friendship, and a good dose of laughter. Through Lions Befrienders, he’s found a community where every day brings new opportunities to connect, learn, and give back.

“我可以做一点事情反馈这个社会。”
(I can do something, even a little, to give back to society.)

Whether he’s sharing a joke with Tony, guiding seniors through dementia sessions, or picking up unexpected skills like gardening, he’s proving that ageing is just another life’s adventure.

We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.

If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sg

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