Senior who found friendship in a time of need now pays it forward

Although a self-professed introvert who delights in her alone time, retired childcare centre teaching assistant Ng Tang Puay is no stranger to the sharp sting of loneliness.

- Lee Li Ying

The single 71-year-old was diagnosed with cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the restrictions then, and the fact that her siblings were also old and frail, she had to brave hospital visits and cancer treatments on her own.

"I suffered from many side effects from the medication and was always exhausted," said Ms Ng, who lives alone in a government rental flat. "I would cry in bed and pray to God to help me."

Help came in the form of friendly faces at the Lions Befrienders active ageing centre (AAC) in Bendemeer Road, who came knocking with groceries and invited her to activities at the centre.

Ms Ng is now a regular volunteer who delivers meals to other needy seniors in the neighbourhood, and hopes to bring cheer to the isolated.

While she said she enjoys spending the year end simply and quietly, she is concerned that others may feel lonely during the festivities, especially those who feel sad that their children do not visit them often.

Preparing for a Dec 18 Christmas party that was organised by the AAC and for which she helped with the set-up, she said: "I'm excited because my friends and other seniors will be able to enjoy the celebrations together."

Lions Befrienders executive director Karen Wee said the year end brings about a time of reflection and reminiscence for the elderly, and can exacerbate feelings of loneliness as it also leads up to culturally significant celebrations like Chinese New Year.