Seniors Turn Active Ageing Centre Into a Circus Stage

The acts offer a blend of physical challenge, mental focus and social connection

- Chin Soo Fang

A group of senior men gathered at the Goodlife Studio (Telok Blangah Towers) on Aug 7, transforming the active ageing centre (AAC) into a circus stage.

Some were learning diabolo tricks, while others were juggling balls. Ten seniors from the Senior Gentlemen's Circus have been picking up circus acts since June as they gear up for their debut performance on Aug 24 at Mount Faber with the Telok Blangah Community Club.

It is one of the ways the AAC is engaging elderly men and keeping them active. The training is held once a week for a total of 12 sessions.

Mr Kwan Pak Kean, 67, a part-time lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said that at first, it seemed difficult manipulating the diabolo—an hourglass-shaped object that is manipulated by string like a yo-yo—but the "fun factor" kept him going.

"I haven't fully mastered the advanced tricks, but I have learnt enough to impress and train my three grandchildren," he said.

Insurance agent Darren Tan said he joined the circus due to the "novelty effect" but kept dropping the diabolo initially.

"It took me two lessons to get the hang of it, and I have been coming to the centre to practise on top of the lessons," said the 62-year-old bachelor.

"It has helped to improve my coordination and concentration."

Mr Lee Poh Wah, the chief executive of Lien Foundation, which brought the programme to the AAC, said circus acts offer a rich blend of physical challenge, mental focus and social connection.

"Senior men continue to remain on the margins of our social care and preventative healthcare system," he told The Straits Times.

"Through our various programmes, we see that senior men respond better to activities that tap past passions, rekindling youthful energy and inviting them back into the centre of community life."