Mary, 71, believes that it is important for seniors to have good social networks. The grandmother of one lost her husband in 1995 and her two children are both working/living overseas. “You must give freedom to your children to live their own lives which may not be very Chinese [in values]. It is nice to have but it is not a must. That is why I joined the Toastmasters International Movement (TIM).”
She shared, “When my husband was around, I had to cater to his needs as it should be. But now, I can pursue a lifestyle that I like. I am basically an outdoorsy and a people-person, and I like going out.” Mary joined the TIM for more than 15 years, on and off. She was the president of the Leng Kee Advanced Toastmasters Club in 2011 to 2012 and since last year, she is currently the president of the Bukit Merah Toastmasters Club. “It is something I really enjoy doing.” She is also an active member of S Connect (formerly called the Senior Circle) of NUSS (National University of Singapore Society) for more than 15 years. She actively promotes activities and interest groups, such as the Book Club. She is also the editor of the group’s bi-monthly e-newsletter, “CONNECT”. “I want to build friendships and I want to contribute in a small way.” On top of that, she teaches business writing part-time at SIM, where she gets her schedule a year ahead. In some ways, she is happy it is part-time as she gets to do other things including catching up with her three-year-old grandson in May in Hong Kong. “It is fun to see him learning and to see him developing. It is also fun to bond with him. I can also influence him to accept those who are older.” Sharing further about why she serves in the Toastmasters, Mary continued: “Rather than helping regularly at an old-folks home or a hospice, I feel I am better suited to the intellectual interface that Toastmasters offers me. ... I have learned techniques of speaking, some leadership skills as well as a better understanding of human beings.” Thanks to her activities with Toastmasters, she has also developed good friendships. “I have met a few good lady friends and since I don't have my children here, this is good for me. Seniors who have empty nest [syndrome], this is the good way to go – to develop friends outside of the family so as to enrich their lives. I went to see the movies with them and we are planning a trip to Eastern Europe next year.” She further added: “It is not good to expect your own children to always look after you. Therefore, it is important for us to keep ourselves active and healthy.” |