The newly-minted grandmother feels family time as well as social time high on her priorities. Sharing about her youngest of three sons’ first baby girl, Sharon, 65, said, “I plan to meet my granddaughter more often. I think it is important to spend more time with her and to strengthen our relationship.”

When she retired in 2008 as a kindergarten teacher, she joined YAH! (Young-At-Heart) Community College, a non-profit project by the Marine Parade Family Service Centre (FSC) to fulfil the aspirations of seniors by continuing further their personal growth, enhancing their familial and social relationships, and strengthening their sense of connectedness to the community. Sharon even gets to travel to places like China with the YAH! committee for the exchange programme where they get to meet other seniors in other countries and learn from each other. “I feel so glad that my social life has become wider. Though there is lesser time spent with my husband and children, social media like Facebook has allowed me to see and get updates on their activities. My sons know what I am doing without even telling them!”

Through YAH!, she learned computer courses and tapped into her own interest – performing drama. “Compared to the past, my grandma will play mahjong and chat with their friends who live in the same kampung. Like her, I have so many activities organised for my friends and me. I am always eagerly looking forward to each day!”