Coronavirus outbreak: Keeping seniors engaged with group activities on hold

Experts say the suspension of social activities for seniors leaves them at higher risk of increased social isolation and loneliness.
Experts say the suspension of social activities for seniors leaves them at higher risk of increased social isolation and loneliness.PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
Published
Mar 15, 2020, 4:00 pm SGT
anjalir@sph.com.sg
chelseakiew@sph.com.sg

SINGAPORE - For 73-year-old former baker Ong Hoo June, weekdays usually involve heading down to the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre in Queenstown for exercise and activities like bingo, where she enjoys the "thrill of winning prizes" and the free biscuits and snacks.

So the two-week suspension of all social activities by government agencies for seniors from March 11 is already getting to her.

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