For Ah Moy, 73, volunteering has two broad goals: “Getting close to people and being able to do things.” So she prefers to volunteer for events that allow her to help other seniors and learn about them at the same time, even through something as simple as helping them up buses. Ah Moy has been volunteering for eight years now, and hopes to keep it up by staying healthy; she exercises regularly by doing aerobics. “Sweating feels very good!” she said happily.

Fried bee hoon and pastries like nine-layer cake are among some of the dishes Ah Moy prepares for the senior activity centre near her block. As someone who enjoys having company, she finds that food has a natural ability to bring people together, and is glad to volunteer her cooking skills to do just that. She added, “I appreciate it when youths come and speak to seniors like us. It is always nice to have more people to talk to.”