At 79 years old, Mdm Wong Ah Siew radiates a warmth and vitality that belies the challenges she has faced over the years. Born in 1945, Mdm Wong retired more than fifteen years ago after dedicating much of her life to helping her father run his meat stall.
Today, she lives independently in Canberra, yet her life is anything but lonely – a testament to her determination, resilience, and the meaningful connections she has built through Blossom Seeds Community (BSL).
Early Struggles
Mdm Wong first began noticing the signs of an ailment in her 40s. “I would get nervous easily, and my hands would start to shiver, especially my left hand,” she recalls.
Alongside these tremors, migraines became a recurring problem. Crowded places and bright sunlight were unbearable, and daily life became increasingly challenging. For a vibrant, independent woman, the combination of physical discomfort and social limitations was daunting.
Some of her toughest moments came when her immune system was weak. She would experience migraines that made her nauseous, feel nervous, and struggle with the uncontrollable shaking of her left hand. Once, she vomited so much and felt so weak that she could not even stand up. Simple outings or social interactions often felt like insurmountable challenges to Mdm Wong too.
“It was difficult, physically and emotionally,” Mdm Wong shares. “But the care and encouragement from my late mother and my elder sisters kept me going. Even after I moved to Canberra five years ago, my sisters stayed in regular contact, checking in on me and offering support.”
Starting The Road To Recovery
It was her doctor’s advice that became the catalyst for a new chapter in her life: exercise. “My doctor told me that physical activity could help,” she says. Initially, this meant taking morning walks and doing simple stretches in the park on her own. For a while, she tolerated her condition, managing the daily symptoms as best as she could.
Two years ago, her journey took a transformative turn when her neighbour, Mdm Koh Ah Bee, invited her to join Blossom Seeds Community (BSL), a non-profit organisation that supports lonely and needy senior heartlanders and helps them to integrate with the society. “That was the turning point,” Mdm Wong recalls with a smile.
She began participating in morning exercise sessions at the centre, quickly finding friendship, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. Regular physical activity, combined with the social engagement she found at BSL, helped her feel more relaxed, less anxious, and energised. Her migraines improved, she needed less medication, and even the tremors in her left hand became significantly better.
Embracing An Active Lifestyle
For Mdm Wong, adopting an active lifestyle was both a necessity and a joy. “Seeing the improvements in my health and feeling the love and support from friends motivated me to keep going,” she says.
Nowadays, her weekly routine is structured yet fulfilling: daily morning walks in the park, a simple breakfast at home, and then off to BSL for morning exercise sessions. From Monday to Friday, she attends a variety of exercises, workshops, and even volunteer activities. Saturdays are spent joining RN & BSL collaboration activities or meeting her sisters for outings, while Sundays include housework and rest.
These activities are more than just routines – they provide Mdm Wong with purpose. “When I wake up each morning, I feel happy knowing I will see friends, keep my mind sharp, and stay physically strong. These activities make me feel alive, confident, and connected.”
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Giving Back Through Volunteering
Mdm Wong’s journey at BSL has also been about giving back. She volunteers every Thursday, helping with blood pressure checks for other seniors in the morning and washing dishes in the afternoon.
“Blossom Seeds has given me so much care, and I wanted to contribute in return,” she explains. Volunteering not only allows her to support others but also gives her the opportunity to learn new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. “It makes me happy to know I can still make a difference,” she adds.
Her involvement extends beyond the centre. Recognising the value of community and shared experiences, Mdm Wong often reaches out to other seniors, particularly those who may be lonely or facing health challenges. Through these connections, she hopes to inspire others to engage in activities that promote social, mental, and physical well-being.
Support Systems & Community Connections
Having moved to Canberra alone five years ago, Mdm Wong knows the impact of social isolation firsthand. Yet, her life has been transformed through her involvement with BSL over the past two years.
The friendships she has formed and the activities she participates in have become essential pillars of her well-being. She especially enjoys the Happy123 programme, which features games, songs, and lively chair Zumba sessions, as well as festive celebrations and outings. “These activities keep me happy, help me worry less, and give me a reason to get up every morning,” she says.
By sharing her story during outreach events, she encourages seniors struggling with health issues or loneliness to participate in activities at BSL or nearby Active Ageing Centre (AAC) satellite sites. This peer support, she believes, is invaluable for both emotional and physical health.
Reflection & Perspective
Reflecting on her journey, Mdm Wong emphasises the broader role of organisations like Blossom Seeds. “They provide befriending services to seniors who live alone or are socially isolated and help them integrate into the community through activities and celebrations. It gives seniors a sense of purpose and belonging.”
She also praises initiatives like the SAFRA Swim For Hope charity event. “These efforts raise awareness of social isolation among the elderly and help support families and seniors in need, whether due to chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, or cognitive challenges.”
Living with her ailment has profoundly shaped Mdm Wong’s perspective on life. “It has taught me to treasure the time I spend with family and friends,” she reflects. Today, “living life to the fullest” means staying active, making new friends, and continuing to learn. One of her current passions is calligraphy which has become her newfound hobby; she takes lessons at BSL and even practises it at home when she’s free.
When asked what advice she would give to others facing similar ailments or loneliness, Mdm Wong encourages them to seek out supportive communities. “Come to Blossom Seeds or your nearest Active Ageing Centre. Attend activities, make friends, and enjoy shared interests. You will feel the care and support, and it will make a real difference in your life.”
A Life Reclaimed
Mdm Wong Ah Siew’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of community. From the challenges of living alone and being afflicted with an ailment to the joy of discovering a supportive network and an active lifestyle, she embodies a spirit of hope and perseverance. Her days are now filled with movement, learning, laughter, and purpose. She rises each morning with a sense of anticipation and gratitude, living proof that even in the face of illness, one can reclaim life, health, and happiness.
Through her journey, Mdm Wong demonstrates that healing is not just about physical recovery – it is also about connection, contribution, and finding joy in everyday moments. She reminds all of us that life, even when marked by challenges, can be vibrant, meaningful, and full of possibilities.
Blossom Seeds is one of the beneficiaries in this year’s SAFRA Swim For Hope event. Introduced in 2011, SAFRA Swim For Hope is an annual charity swim event which provides an opportunity for Operationally Ready National Serviceman and their families to contribute to charitable causes, while promoting fitness and bonding through swimming. This year, all nett event proceeds will go towards the various beneficiary organisations to support families and seniors in need of assistance.
Visit safras4h.sg to do your part and contribute to a good cause! Here are ways you can contribute:
- Donate to support a SAFRA Swim For Hope participant/team.
- 2. Make a donation to SAFRA Swim For Hope directly.
