THE COURT AT CLEMENTI MEADOWS. Image courtesy of the National University Health System.
Singapore — The NUHS Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (MSC) launched its first Age Well Everyday (AWE) Club in the community. Situated at Clementi Meadows, Clementi Ave 4, the launch of the club was witnessed by the local Grassroots Adviser, Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who unveiled the new club at this brand-new community space, marking a significant milestone in promoting active ageing and mental resilience within the community. This is done in collaboration between Clementi Meadows Residents’ Network and NUHS Mind Science Centre.
The AWE Club named ‘Age Well @ Clementi Meadows’ will be launched at a newly renovated 2,300 square metre THE COURT community hall, at Blk 306 Clementi Avenue 4. The Age Well Everyday (AWE) Club's programmes include a variety of cognitive and physical activities designed to promote mental well-being and active ageing. By incorporating Mindful Awareness Practice into its programmes, the AWE Club aims to provide participants with the tools they need to maintain mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve their overall quality of life. This kind of active aging initiative is essential for aging estates like Clementi Meadows.
This innovative AWE programme is also designed to foster volunteer leadership and intergenerational engagement, contributing to a more resilient and connected community. The club aims to train volunteer leaders, known as Age Well Ambassadors/Leaders, who will spearhead activities and support within their communities. These leaders will play a crucial role in promoting mental health and active ageing. By involving youths and seniors in regular, meaningful interactions, the programme also seeks to build mental resilience across generations, preparing young leaders for future challenges. The initiative promotes a cohesive community where different generations support each other, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared growth. The programme is rooted in rigorous research conducted by NUHS Mind Science Centre, and is designed to delay cognitive deterioration, instil a resilient mind, and enhance social interaction among seniors.
Members and volunteers of the AWE Club will have access to the full suite of the NUHS Mind Science Centre’s programmes, including Dementia Asia webinars, seminars, MindGym programmes focusing on mindfulness, psychological first aid, and other mental wellness techniques. Participants will also engage in curated visits to the MAELab, which is an experiential exhibition/ interactive gallery located at Alexandra Hospital, enhancing their learning and development experience.
The AWE Club will offer a variety of activities tailored to stimulate both body and mind, including core modules such as Mindful Awareness Practice, Physical Exercise, and Health Education Programme. By incorporating Mindful Awareness Practice into its programmes, the AWE Club aims to provide participants with the tools they need to maintain mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve their overall quality of life. There are also Elective Modules such as Art Therapy, Music Reminiscence, Horticulture Therapy. There are weekly or monthly Intergenerational programmes and interactions between youths and seniors, with youth participants trained to become Age Well (Youth) Ambassadors/Leaders. Lastly, the AWE Club aims to work with various community partners in its vicinity, including local Active Ageing Centres (AACs), Community Centres, Regional Health Systems, and schools. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive support system for all participants.
Mr Surein Sandrasageran, Outreach Director and gerontologist at NUHS Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre HS, said, "The launch of the Age Well Everyday Club at Clementi Meadows is a significant step towards creating a movement across Singapore. By training volunteer leaders and promoting intergenerational interaction, we are not only supporting the mental well-being of our seniors but also equipping our youth with essential life skills. This programme offers more than just weekly activities; it provides access to a wide range of resources from the Mind Science Centre, including Dementia Asia webinars, MindGym training programmes, and curated visits at MAELab. Community is key, and we all have a part to play when it comes to ageing well as a nation. We plan to scale up the AWE Club concept across Singapore, translating our research into actionable community programmes, and ensuring that our initiatives deliver tangible benefits to the community."
“Bricks-and-mortar improvements such as new community halls in our neighbourhoods should be accompanied by good programming that address the specific needs of residents. In Clementi Meadows, we are always thinking about how to help our residents age well. I am delighted that the NUHS Mind Science Centre is now an anchor programme provider at our newly expanded community hall, through the AWE Club. I am confident that the Club’s active aging initiatives will be well-received by our seniors and their caregivers, and also contribute to important ongoing research regarding dementia and related conditions,” shared Grassroots Adviser, Ms Sim Ann.
About People's Association
The People’s Association (PA) is a statutory board established on 1 July 1960 to promote racial harmony and social cohesion, and to act as a bridge between the Government and the people. We offer a wide range of community programmes and volunteering opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life. Our network includes close to 2,000 Grassroots Organisations (GROs), over 100 Community Clubs, five Community Development Councils, National Community Leadership Institute and PAssion WaVe. More information at www.pa.gov.sg.
About NUHS Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre
The Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre, part of the National University Health System (NUHS), focuses on building emotional resilience and optimizing cognitive performance across all ages. It conducts population studies on mental conditions affecting different life stages, including childhood, adolescence, working adults, and seniors.
