SINGAPORE - More than 120 seniors from Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens were given a dose of nostalgia on Wednesday (June 1) at a film screening of director Jack Neo's Long Long Time Ago.

The screening was part of the nursing home's efforts in improving its residents' well-being by increasing the variety of recreational activities available - in line with the Enhanced Nursing Home Standards that were enforced in April.

Nearly 20 recreational activities are run at the home, including karaoke, mahjong, spa activities, arts and craft, as well as weekly "kopitiam" sessions where the residents meet to have coffee and snacks.

Speaking to media at the event, Minister of State for Health Lam Pin Min, noted that activities like the screening could help the elderly psychologically and socially.

"We want senior citizens to stay active - physically, mentally and pscyho-socially," said Dr Lam.

He also noted the need to organise more of such activities for senior citizens, not just in nursing homes but also within the community.

The screening was a collaboration between the Agency for Integrated Care, mm2 Entertainment and Jteam Productions - the first of many screenings to come, as 80 other community care organisations have indicated their interest in screening the movie.

Neo, who was also at the event with the movie's cast members, said that "bringing the residents to the cinema is very tough, so screening it here is something we can do for them".

Mr George Phua, 79, who has been staying at the home for two years, said the activities like the screening were inspiring for senior citizens, adding that they made him "feel younger".