DETAILS ARE TAKEN OFF THE TSAO FOUNDATION WEBPAGE at: http://www.tsaofoundation.org/GAB.html

CELEBRATING LIFE – GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY (GAB) FOR OLDER (YOUNG SHCians) PERSONS

Old age is a time of celebration of one’s longevity, life’s experiences and wisdom. Yet the reality for many of our seniors is low self-esteem, lack of social engagement and for some, depression.

As Singapore rapidly ages, the above is a scenario we do not want to see. As we invest in services catering to the physical and social fitness of our senior citizens, we are aware of the need to also focus on developing their intellectual fitness and purpose fitness. Intellectual fitness by keeping the mind engaged and active and purpose fitness through nurturing strong feelings of self esteem of having control over one’s life. Old age need not be a time of loss, it can be a time of contentment and happiness, knowing they have done their best. It can be a time for sharing experiences and wisdom. And it must certainly continue to be a time for venturing out to fulfill dreams especially if these had been put on hold.

The Guided Autobiography (GAB), developed by Dr James Birren, one of American’s leading gerontologist, has proven to be a powerful tool in developing the intellectual of seniors. In a nutshell, the GAB is a semi-structured process of life review that incorporates individual and group experiences using reminiscence, narrative therapy and exploration of the inner psychological experience of the individual.

The benefits of GAB

• Sense of increased personal power and importance
• Recognition of past adaptive strategies and applications to current needs and problems
• Reconciliation with the past and resolution of past resentments and negative feelings
• Resurgence in past interests and activities
• Greater sense of meaning of life
• Development of friendship with other group members
• Ability to face end of life with a feeling that one has contributed to the world.

STRUCTURE OF GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY GROUPS

The GAB programme offered by the TSAO Foundation involves 8-10 three-hour group sessions generally held on a weekly basis. The group size is usually between 10 and 12 participants with 1-2 facilitators from the TSAO Foundation.

There are three major components to the GAB group sessions:

1) A group general discussion around a specific theme with sensitizing questions to trigger the process of self awareness and life review;

2) Small group work during which participants discuss a specific theme at a deeper level; and

3) Individual work whereby participants document, either in writing or audio recording, their life review on a specific theme.

• These themes include:

  History of the Major Branching Points in Your Life
  History of Your Family
  Role of Money in Your Life
  History of Your Major Life or Career
  History of Your Perception about Death and Dying
  History of Your Spiritual Life and Values
  History of Your Goals and Aspirations

Other themes can be added or subtracted depending on the profile of the participants.

GAB IN SINGAPORE
Several GAB groups have been conducted since its relaunch in 2004. These included sessions at Marine Parade Family Service Centre and the National Library. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) as part of its Active Seniors Programme, and conducted by facilitators from the Hua Mei Training Centre of TSAO Foundation.

1. Edwin Ong Says:
Hi Amy & her Well Wishers,

It is great to read delicate subjects raised and the bonding of new found friends amongst total strangers initially.

Amidst the “hee haa happenings”, we need to continue to nurture the unseen portion of ourselves (some call the spirit, emotion, pyschology and mental). Check out this http://www.tsaofoundation.org and look at the training module of Guided Autobiography (GAB). With 15 SHCians, you can request for one started. I know I benefitted from it when I attended one 5 months back.

…………..Edwin

2. Ivan Lim Says:
Edwin #1 (and Sorry Amy to use your space here on this matter),

I had a quick browse on the Tsao Foundation website. The training module of Guided Autobiography (GAB) looks interesting. It can be of interest to “Young” SHCians for down the road “prepareness”.

As a matter of interest, any “Young” SHCians out there who may be keen to attend this “training module”. Can we have a show of hands, I will need at least 20 committed hands before I start knocking on Tsao Foundation’s door about this matter….

Oh ya! Before I forget. Please have the courtesy to check out Tsao Foundation website and at least read through the section on Guided Autobiography (GAB) before putting up your hands. Thanks!

3. Edwin Ong Says:
#2 from Ivan. If there is enough interest in GAB, we will start a separate thread on this topic. That is where the list can build up to a maximum of 14.

I am Jane Loh who had just joined the SHC in Oct ‘08. I retired recently from teaching. At present I do relief teaching as and when I’m asked or free to do so. I am interested to make friends and participate in activities whenever possible. I like to read, cook, sew, travel (needs a room-mate at most times) and play majong (small stake - 5 doubles $3.20/$6.40) whenever I can. I can host the majong sessions if there are interested players.

I first attended the monthly meeting on 18 Nov. I saw there was a good attendance and I even met two of my friends whom I’ve not seen for a long time. I observe that many members are friendly and able to interact well. I enjoyed the kebaya fashion show thanks to whoever had organized it. I must also thank the founder of the club for creating a golden opportunity for people to befriend one another. I hope to make as many new friends and enjoy life to the fullest now that I’ve retired.

Feel free to contact me at email address: janlo8@gmail.com

Hope to hear from some of you. Best wishes to one and all. 

Jane

Hi Guys

U had experienced F1 Car Racing last Sep. Now comes F1 Cycling sponsored by OCBC n organised by Spectrum Worldwide, a 1st of its kind event in Spore which will be held on Sun, 22 Feb 09.  9 of us crazy cyclists had since signed up for this event.  We look forward to see U participating. Perhaps we can form a contingent of 88 or 101 members to represent SHC. 

More information here : http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20081118/tap-700-singapores-mass-cycling-event-ai-231650b.html

How to register here : http://www.ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg/

Latests :

Bike Rentals Available : More info here - http://ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg/media/OCBC%20Cycle%20Singapore%202009%20-%20Bike%20Rental.pdf

Early Bird Discount Extended : Midnite, Mon 5 Jan 09.

Hi,

      I am Amy and have been a registered member since 2006 but have never had the opportunity

 to participate in any of your activities. I was the lone care-giver of my husband who only recently

 passed away.

I am more of an outdoor person. I cycle, swim and fish ( at the bedok jetty ). I play badminton, table-

tennis, gateball and pickle ball. Hope to be able to join some of you in these activities (before my joints

give way).

Hi,

On the 18th Nov gethering, Terence Seah have enquired about Peggy’s profile.

I, Paul Kong (Peggy’s husband) did file my profile but left her out. Why? forget la.

Thus, am writing on her behalf. Why me? She is too ‘kiasi’ la.

Profession: Graphic Designer (Ages ago) Now full time nagger and part time housewife.

Like: Shopping, mahjong, travelling,gossiping, good food etc. Anymore? Pls check with her.

Age: (Danger zone) Let you in on the secret. Collecting CPF anytime now.

That about it.

Peggy & Paul Kong

Someone I know sent me this very touching poem. It refers to a nurse, but I’m sure we are all guilty of this to some extent. Do read and do some deep thinking.

Crabby Old Woman

• What do you see, nurses?
• What do you see?
• What are you thinking,
• When you’re looking at me?

• A crabby old woman,
• Not very wise,
• Uncertain of habit,
• With faraway eyes.

• Who dribbles her food,
• And makes no reply,
• When you say in a loud voice,
• ‘I do wish you’d try!’

• Who seems not to notice,
• The things that you do,
• And forever is losing,
• A stocking or shoe

• Who, resisting or not
• Lets you do as you will,
• With bathing and feeding,
• The long day to fill?

• Is that what you’re thinking?
• Is that what you see?
• Then open your eyes, nurse,
• You’re not looking at me.

• I’ll tell you who I am,
• As I sit here so still,
• As I do at your bidding,
• As I eat at your will.

• I’m a small child of ten,
• With a father and mother,
• Brothers and sisters,
• Who love one another.

• A young girl of sixteen,
• With wings on her feet,
• Dreaming that soon now,
• A lover she’ll meet.

• A bride soon at twenty,
• My heart gives a leap,
• As I make the vows
• That I promised to keep.

• At twenty-five now,
• I have young of my own,
• Who need me to guide,
• And a secure happy home.

• A woman of thirty,
• My young now grown fast,
• Bound to each other,
• With ties that should last.

• At forty, my young sons,
• Have grown and are gone,
• But my man’s beside me,
• To see I don’t mourn.

• At fifty once more,
• Babies play round my knee,
• Again we know children,
• My loved one and me.

• Dark days are upon me,
• My husband is dead,
• I look at the future,
• I shudder with dread.

• For my young are all rearing
• Young of their own,
• And I think of the years,
• And the love that I’ve known.

• I’m now an old woman,
• And nature is cruel,
• ‘Tis jest to make old age,
• Look like a fool.

• The body, it crumbles,
• Grace and vigour depart,
• There is now a stone
• Where I once had a heart.

• But inside this old carcass,
• A young girl still dwells,
• And now and again,
• My battered heart swells.

• I remember the joys,
• I remember the pain,
• And I’m loving and living
• Life over again.

• I think of the years,
• All too few, gone too fast,
• And accept the stark fact
• That nothing can last.

• So open your eyes, people,
• Open and see,
• Not a crabby old woman;
• Look closer - see ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an old person, whether man or woman, who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!

Hi all,

Since it is the start of the season for travel it is also good to ensure you are adequately covered for your overseas travel in case of any emergencies, flight delays or lost luggage, etc.

I just got a call from Citibank this morning for an offer of a year’s travel coverage worldwide including Malaysia for only $137 ( from ACE insurance it is supposedly $150).  Since it is a year’s coverage you are free from having to fill up your travel details everytime you travel out.  The coverage also includes lost items due to theft , lost luggage , hijacking, medical and personal liability coverage, etc.

So I guess with this settle, I can travel at least with some comfort in mind.  Anyone knows of any better offers? Terence , can you share with us your coverage plan and details and the repayment of your laptop due to theft that happen last year?

By the way, ACE insurance also covers personal protection for sporting, accidental injuries or illness and hospitalisation coverage while you are in Singapore or overseas for a monthly premium of about $25.  With me roller blading, cyclng , and travelling most of the time I guess it is better to be protected. 

Cheers 

Our Dec monthly gathering is now fixed as follows:

• Date:  Wed 17 Dec 2008.
• Time:  1700 - 2130 hrs
• Place:  Hans Cafe at Great Eastern Building, Pickering Street.
• Topic:  Nil.  Free and easy, and get to know one another.
• After 2200 hrs, can go somewhere to enjoy the year-end festivities.

Please put this date in your diary.  Strictly for registered SHC members only.

Terence Seah

Registration:

1. Anna Seet
2. Janet Heng - Registration desk
3. LH Jie - Registration desk
4. Terence Seah
5. Lim Geok Suan
6. Vivien Ler
7. Shirleen Kao
8. Lin Chuah
9. Susan Chan
10. Doreen Ng
11. Dennis Wee
12. Agnes Seow
13. Catherine Yeo
14. Karen Thio
15. Amy Soon
16. Cheng Pun
17. Sekaran
18. Koh Tong Seng
19. Lillian Koh
20. Grace Wong - Registration desk
21. Caroline Sit
22. Kenneth Tan
23. Tan Cher Thong
24. June Chin
25. Patrick Lee
26. Jennifer Lim
27. Lena Ho
28. Anthony Sam
29. Jacqueline Han
30. Seok Cheng
31. Juliana Kok
32. Mary Chan
33. Lily Ho
34. Dolly Lim
35. Agnes Seow ** repeat Helen Wong
36. Thomas Loh
37. AliciaLim
38. Lilian Teo
39. Francis Mangalam
40. Eyvonne Chew
41. Michelle Lim
42. Ria Tan
43. Ah Nee
44. Susan Chang
45. Norlinda
46. Molly Chua
47. Ronald Lee
48. Oi Cheng
49. John Howe
50. Venonique Lee
51. Lina Ng
52. Tan Lan Cher
53. Shirley Tan
54. Caroline Gee
55. Dan Huang
56. Lydia Chin
57. Sandirasekaran
58. N Gengha Dhevi
59. Andrew Thio
60. Sophia Lim
61. Charles Chua
62. Bira Lupolo
63. Daisy Yeo
64. Peggy Ho
65. Frank Kaw
66. Lee Hou Chong
67. James Tan
68. Susan Tan
69. Peggy Kong
70. Paul Kong
71. Vincent Hee
72. Daniel Chan
73. Christina Chan
74. KC Lau
75. Paul Leong
76. Jenny Leong
77. Freddie Liew
78. Mike Soh
79. Steven Ng

Here is a little exercise for you to know other fellow SHCians, especially the new ones.

1. Identify your serial number on this participants list.  Let’s say it is 4 for Terence Seah.

2. Add a fix number 5 to your 4. This is 9. Make 9 your friend for this evening.

3. Add the fix number 5 to your 9. Make 14 your friend for this evening.

4. Add the fix number 5 to your 14. Make 19 your friend for this evening.

5. Continue until the total participation list is exhausted.

The aim of this exercise is for you to find out what are the interests or hobbies of all the members in your group.  The exercise starts anytime, from the time you arrive. Appoint one person in your group to submit the names and hobbies of all members in your group. A SHC T-shirt will be given to all members of one lucky group. Submission of name list by 9pm.

Click here for photos

Hello,

My name is Linda and I am new to SilverHairs Club.   I have just moved to Shelley (Perth) from Singapore 3 months ago.   I am 45 years old and would like to make friends with similar interests to share past time together eg. breeze walking, jogging, trying out new cooking recipes, etc.   Anyone interested, please do write to me at linda_loh638@yahoo.com.sg

Thank you.  Cheers,

Linda

Hi SHCians

I am sure there are many among us who enjoy this game.  It is recommended by doctors to senior citizens as this game stimulates the brain cells and thus delay the onset of diseases such as dementia and other age related illnesses.  If we can have a pool of interested members, then we can have a weekly sesssion among ourselves. Stakes are not important as the main aim is to enjoy the game and socialise.

Waiting for responses.

Have a nice day & see you all on Tuesday 16 Nov 2008.

Regards

Roy Koh