Seniors keep fit by learning ballet

Contributed by Karen Ho/People’s Association

Intrigued by the beauty of ballet, 10 seniors (aged between 45 and 73) decided that age was not a barrier to leading an active life. Under the Kebun Baru Wellness Programme, these seniors decided to take the opportunity to live their dreams by learning ballet.

Mdm Annie Yuen is one of the pioneers of this ballet interest group. Although she is 73 years old, Mdm Yuen strives to perform all the ballet movements taught by the teacher as she believes that nothing should deter seniors from achieving their goals.

Another pioneer member is Mdm Wan Ah Lin who is in her 60s. A mother of three, she spent much of her adulthood caring for her family, only starting to learn ballet after her children grew up. Mdm Wan attributes her good fitness level to the exercise she gets from the dance sessions.

Ballet instructor, Mr Yu Shuhuai, is very supportive of these seniors. He specially choreographed the dance movements such that they are within the ability of the seniors. He said, "The students are happy when they are able to complete the dance movements. The sense of accomplishment motivates them to continue to lead an active lifestyle and they can say ´I can still do it!' to others."

Currently, they practise ballet every Sunday at the Kebun Baru Community Club (CC), where the Wellness Programme provides a platform for these seniors to meet and connect with their neighbours.

The Wellness Programme, led by the People's Association, encourages seniors to stay mentally, physically and socially active through a variety of programmes and activities organised by the CCs, Residents’ Committees and Neighbourhood Committees so that more seniors can continue to enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible.