NTUC Health's Innovative Program Helps Seniors Relive Memories

SINGAPORE – A unique initiative by NTUC Health is aimed at assisting seniors experiencing mild to moderate dementia by bringing back treasured memories through familiar objects from their past.

Bringing Nostalgia to Life

The heritage-based dementia engagement program, launched in September with the support of the National Heritage Board, features a variety of resources from the 1950s to the 1980s. This includes vinyl records, vintage movie tickets, curated picture kits, and a specialized digital app containing thematic imagery, audio clips, and captions. These elements contribute to sparking discussions and fostering connections among seniors.

Structured Program Development

Tailored over eight weeks, this structured program was developed collaboratively by NTUC Health, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI). Initial studies conducted by GERI revealed that approximately 72% of participants demonstrated a notable improvement in mood and became more expressive after joining the program.

Effective Memory Stimulation

Yu Chou Chuen, formerly a senior research fellow at GERI, emphasized the program's impact on memory activation. According to him, the simple act of viewing an old photograph can prompt participants to reminisce about beloved songs and films from their youth, enriching their emotional well-being.

The pilot study conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 focused on 25 seniors across four NTUC Health daycare centers. Each session lasted 45 minutes and was held weekly for eight weeks, enabling participants to build rapport and familiarity. This duration balances the need for deep interactions with staffing capabilities.

A Warm and Inviting Environment

During a recent session at the NTUC Health Senior Day Care in Jurong West, community care associate Beh Swee Suan skillfully interacted with a group of seniors, blending Mandarin, Hokkien, and Malay effectively. By personalizing her approach and calling participants by name, she helped foster a lively atmosphere. One participant, 85-year-old Foo Ngiap Tong, shared his fond memories of the Cathay cinema, engaging others in conversation.

Even traditionally quiet participants began to share their experiences, showcasing the program’s ability to encourage expressions of the past. Beh noted how these interactions can be transformative, particularly for seniors who may have remained reticent in less engaging environments.

Future Aspirations

NTUC Health aims to expand this innovative engagement program, with plans to reach 27 centers by 2027. Currently, over half of the 2,400 seniors enrolled at the centers are living with dementia, illustrating the need for such initiatives.

Cindy Koe, the dementia care manager at NTUC Health, highlighted the importance of integrating heritage resources into other existing daycare activities, creating a richer experience for all seniors involved.