Joyful Aging-Embracing the Beauty of Life Together

This is Hondao's Chenggong Community Center, located in the Dali District of Taichung. Starting this year, we've begun introducing our older adults to the game of Rummikub. Initially puzzled and overwhelmed by the intricacies of the rules, the seniors joked, "Just seeing Rummikub gives me a headache." However, they've become so familiar with the rules now that they almost play like pros. Sometimes they even ask to play a round of Rummikub before the classes start.

In reality, many of the older adults who come to the community center have never played board games, seeing them as activities for children. They prioritize physical exercises over mental challenges. However, keeping our brains active and healthy is also very important. Therefore, our social workers have introduced board game classes, aiming to encourage our older adults to participate not only in physical activities but also in brain exercises.

Ms. Atao, a 79-year-old resident living on her own, used to bike for her shopping trips when she was in good health. However, with the onset of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and heart issues, her physical strength gradually diminished. Now, even walking requires the support of a cane.

She became even more hesitant to go outside because of the pandemic in the last few years, as the doctor deemed her physical condition unsuitable for vaccination. Consequently, she relied on meal deliveries provided by social welfare organizations for her daily needs.

Extended isolation and a lack of social interactions have left Ms. Atao feeling particularly lonely and disheartened. Upon discovering her situation, Hondao social workers helped facilitate regular visits to Ms. Atao’s home by volunteers from the "Yuanlin Volunteer Station". With these companionships, Ms. Atao’s mood has gradually improved, and her physical well-being has begun to stabilize.

As the Lunar New Year approached, social workers invited Ms. Atao to participate in the New Year’s shopping event and the New Year’s Eve dinner. (Similar to Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner, the New Year’s Eve dinner plays a significant role in Chinese culture and is one of the traditional events Taiwanese people look forward to the most.)

Ms. Atao put a lot of thought into it, wore special accessories, and dressed elegantly and beautifully for the occasion. The event’s emcee also warmly invited her to the stage, engaging her in interactive activities.

Delighted, Ms. Atao expressed, "It had been a really long time since I last went outside, and I have been eating by myself forever. Today marked the first time I participated in such a grand banquet, sharing such a feast with so many warm people. Every dish is exceptionally delicious and infused with a heartwarming touch."