New Programme Helps Seniors with Dementia Rediscover Memories

SINGAPORE – A new initiative by NTUC Health is aiding seniors with mild to moderate dementia in recalling cherished memories by incorporating nostalgic items like vinyl records and vintage movie tickets.

Innovative Memory Engagement

This heritage-focused dementia engagement program utilizes resources from the National Heritage Board, featuring objects from the mid-20th century, including visual kits and a specially designed digital app that showcases thematic images, sound clips, and captions. The aim is to help elderly participants spark discussions and engage with one another.

Launched in September, the program is set to roll out at five daycare centers, with plans to extend through 2027.

Collaborative Development and Evaluation

With the backing of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI), NTUC Health meticulously crafted this eight-week program. The research aspects were spearheaded by GERI, which conducted a pilot study demonstrating that 72% of participants experienced improved moods and became more vocal after participating.

Yu Chou Chuen, who once led the pilot study as a senior research fellow at GERI, emphasized the program's role in stimulating memories. “It's astonishing to see how, just by examining a simple picture, participants begin reminiscing about songs and films they adored,” he stated.

Pilot Study Insights

During the pilot phase conducted from October 2024 to March 2025, 25 participants from four NTUC Health daycare centers were observed, and qualitative interviews were held with care staff. Each week, participants attended a 45-minute session structured to foster engagement and connection within the group.

Yu noted that the eight-week duration was ideal for developing familiarity and relationships among participants while also considering staffing limitations.

Engaging Sessions and Personal Stories

At a recent session at NTUC Health Senior Day Care in Jurong West, community care associate Beh Swee Suan effectively engaged seven seniors, using a blend of Mandarin, Hokkien, and Malay to cultivate conversations. By addressing participants by name, she created an inviting atmosphere, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts.

During the session, 85-year-old Foo Ngiap Tong shared his fond memories of attending movie screenings at the old Cathay cinema, showcasing the positive impact of the initiative.

Behavioral shifts were also noted, as quieter individuals gradually began to share their pasts, including one participant who had previously been reticent even in the presence of his wife.

Future Expansion and Impact

So far, NTUC Health has trained ten facilitators to lead this program, with an ambitious goal of expanding it to 27 centers within the next three years. Currently, more than half of the 2,400 seniors attending their daycare facilities are living with dementia.

Cindy Koe, NTUC Health’s dementia care manager, indicated that the integration of heritage resources will also broaden across existing daycare activities and programs, enriching the experiences of all seniors involved.