In the heart of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 at Block 345, an elderly woman named Chen has been a familiar presence at the void deck over the past year.
Concerns have been raised about her well-being, as she occasionally spends nights on the benches, sparking worries among residents that she might be homeless, according to a report by Shin Min Daily News.
Reporter(s) from Shin Min paid a visit to the block on Saturday (Dec 2). Chen, in her 60s, clarified that she is not homeless. Instead, she resides with friends in a rental flat at Ang Mo Kio Street 31.
Chen, who used to work odd jobs in a company cafeteria, had to stop working over a year ago due to a fall. Currently in a phase of recuperation, she expresses a hopeful return to work once fully recovered.
Often alone at home, scared of dying alone
Despite living with friends, Chen often finds herself alone as her flatmates are seldom home. Recent news reports about seniors going undiscovered after dying alone at home have fueled her fears of a similar fate. In response, she has chosen to spend more time outside to alleviate her concerns.
On her current situation, she said that she worked odd jobs at a cafeteria but had to stop working about a year ago after she had a bad fall, and hope that she can return to work after getting better.
Chen’s nighttime stays at the void deck are not indicative of homelessness but rather a way to address her fears of dying alone.
She emphasizes that she goes home to sleep at night after wandering during the day. Chen believes that walking around during the day contributes to improving her health and aids in her recovery from the previous injury.
Doesn’t want to burden family
Despite her siblings being married, Chen does not want to burden them with her concerns. She acknowledges their awareness of her situation but chooses not to worry them unnecessarily. Welfare agencies have offered assistance, but after explaining her situation, they understood her preferences.
Chen’s story sheds light on the complexities faced by elderly individuals, grappling with loneliness and the fear of isolation in their later years. The community’s awareness of her situation, coupled with outreach from welfare agencies, emphasizes the importance of supporting and understanding the unique needs of seniors like Chen.
As society grapples with an aging population, it becomes crucial to address the social and emotional well-being of the elderly. Chen’s resilience in the face of her fears reflects the strength of character that many seniors possess, and it calls for a collective effort to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly in our communities.