Problems

What were the problems that the group had encountered and how those problems were resolved?

We were in a difficult postion at first. It was difficult for us to communicate with them. There was nothing or should we say "common" topic due to the different generations. Our experiences were not the same as them and their views or opinions too. We think that they are far more worst than our parents, nagging and nagging. We resolved the problems by thinking positive. We tried our best to come out with topics that can be discuss and ones that could not hurt them deeply. We also afraid that these topics were sensitive to them. That we why, we think before we ask. We talked about their life and daily routine. but mainly, about their past stories. From there, they started talking and explained their exciting and meaningful experiences.
The visit was quite short. We were engrossed with their stories, that was why, time flies fast. We were unable to share more about our experiences. We hope the visits should extend longer to unable them to share their stories short and simple.

PICTURES!!!!!!! :)

Pictures of our last visit. Great fun, great time and great bonding.

post-visit writing(reflections)

Man Fung;

At first we thought that elderlys are grumpy and sensitive people. They have proved as wrong. Elderlys are not as grumpy or sensitive as we thought, instead they are cheerful and fun. Some are even young at heart. We had lots of fun and it was great making friends with the elderlys. We have also learnt that if we give our hearts out to care for people, they will appreciate it and return their love to you.

Atiqah;
After the 2 visits at the activity centre for the elderly, I have gained a lot of knowledge such as what was the times like before Singapore became a prosperous nation, how to value our parents more and stay religious at all time. I really appreciate the advices given by the elderly there. Eventhough they are not my real grandparents, it seemed as though I have known them for so long when i was chatting with them. The satisfaction of helping the elderly was when i see them smile and laugh while we entertained them. I really hope that i can do other services towards the elderly that will benefit both of us and the elderly.

Reng Hong;
In these visits, i had done lots of interaction with the elderly. I did some handicrafts like chalk powder bottle. I also chit-chat with them. We talked about their past and more. During one of the visit, I was even pulled out to karaoke.
After these visits, I learned that most elderly are very lonely. I should talk to my grandparents more often so that they will not feel the same way. I also learned the skill of how to start a topic to talk to the elderly.

Sakinah;
I learnt how the folks felt staying alone without their children or anybody else. They felt left behind by them after they have their own families to take care of. They told me about their past lifestyles and how they enjoyed their youngster years. Unlike now, they are not supposed to roam around as they are weak and need to rest more. From the visits, i also learnt that we were not supposed to treat them cruelly, as if they does not exist anymore. Tis would hurt their feelings even more. After their hard work of taking care and discipline us since we were young, we should also show our love and concern towards them as well in their ageing years.

Sumiyati;
I had spent a lot of time with the old folks there and i gained many meaningful experiences. I got to know their life stories and their daily routine. I have learnt to be more caring and sensitive to the old folks. We did a lot of hands-on activities like handicrafts which gives me opportunities to bond with them. Futhermore, i spent my time with the community. I think it has been a meaningful and memorable time spent with the folks there.

Details of the visit(what we had seen) and what we have learned

What we had seen during the visit?

We had tried to be as caring as possible as the elderlys are very sensitive.The elderlys were very glad and happy that we came to visit them.They thanked us for buying some groceries for them.They liked the activities done and enjoyed themselves.We also treated them like our own grandparents.

What we had learned during the visit?

We learnt that as we grow old,our children will have to move out of the house and we could end up living all by ourselves at home if the elderly does not want to live with their children.So,it would be very boring and they wil feel lonely at home.This activites centre will help the elderly interact more with students like us and make new friendswith the other elderys.
Some of the elderys had lived with their before,but after a few years they decided to live by themselves.The reason being was that they were tired as they had to take care of their grandchildren and do the housechores everyday while their children are away.From this,we learned that we must appreciate the presence of the elderly.

Details of the visit(what we have done)

Third visit
On the third visit,we made a picture using coloured sand.The elderlys had a choice of what colours they wanted to use.We helped them poured out the sand on the area they want.After that,they used a toothpick to spread out the sand.The picture they had made were given to them as gift.
After that , some of us went to Sheng Shiong to buy some groceries for the elderlys.While some of us went to Sheng Shiong,we chatted with the elderys.Since that day was Marion,our classmate birthday,we sang a song together with the elderlys for her.Each of them were also given a slice of cake.

Details of the visit(what we have done)

Second visit
On the second visit,we did some handicraft with them.We taught them how to make a beautiful gift by just using some chalk and a bottle.We used a ruler to scrub the chalk to produce powder chalk.After that,we filled up a small bottle with the powder chalk.We had different colours of chalks.After we did one type of colour of chalks,we pour it into the bottle.We kept on doing this step by using different colours.In the end,the bottle is filled up with layers of colour.While doing,we also chatted with the elderly and also had a tea break.
After the visit,we found out that some of the elderly do not wan to keep the gift.So,we took the gift and bring it home.

Details of the visit(what we have done)

First visit
During the first visit,we taught the elderly how to make stars using strips of paper.After making all the stars,we put them in a small gas bottle.Each elderly were given one small glass jar with stars in side as a gift.While doing the stars,we chatted with them about their lives and some of their past experience.Some of them even gave us some advice.We had a tea break with them too when we were doing the stars...
We found out that some of the elderly do not want to make stars because they can't see clearly or they think that they can't do it.We had tried to encourage them but some of them still don't want to do.We had no choice but to do it ourselves.After finishing the gift,some of the elderly do not want to keep it.Eventually,we kept the gifts to ourselves.

pre-visit

(help me add,need 300words)
how do we intend to go about selecting a suitable home/elderly activity centre to visit?

We will go to the Internet website(eg.yahoo) and search for some home/elderly activity centre website.We should try to search for home/elderly activity centre which is nearby our school.this could help us to save some transport fee.At the same time,it is also more convenient.we should also try to search for a home/elderly activity centre which have lots of facilities so that we could easily plan what to do with the elderly.

What are the potential problems that we may face(all aspect)and how we intend to deal with them?

First,we may feel shy when we first step into the home/elderly activity centre.to deal with it,we need to do a cheer or something or try to me a little"thick skin".

second,we may not know how to start a conversation with them.To deal with it,we need to plan some questions before we go to the home/eldery activities centre.for example,we could talk about their current age,where they live,about their family,which country they have travel to and also about their past experience etc.

third,the elderly may not talk to us.to deal with it,we need to do some interaction with them like playing some games,doing some handicraft etc.

fourth,meal for students and elderly.we need to find some suppliers from the Internet.after that,we will choose the cheapest supplier.the most imporant is,we need to order some food which is suitable for the elderly,for example some soft food like porridge and fruits etc.

fifth,the timing.some of the students may not be able to attend one of the visit because of some reason.so,we need to have a make up session for those student.