From Drone Soccer to AI: Seniors Embrace New Experiences at the inaugural MWS Senior Olympics
At 99, Lim Joke Buay had never flown a drone. But at MWS’ inaugural Senior Olympics Day, she eagerly took on the challenge, steering a drone through an aerial hoop using a handheld controller.
“It was really fun! It made me use my brain more, and I think it can get quite addictive,” she said. “I was amazed that just by using the controller, I could make the drone fly.”
Joke Buay was among nearly 300 seniors from across seven MWS Active Ageing Centres (AACs) who gathered at Fernvale Community Club on 1 October 2026 for a day of friendly competition, learning and camaraderie.
Mei Andres, Head of MWS AACs, said the drone soccer activity was introduced at the event as a new experience for seniors, with plans to adapt the activity for MWS’ AACs. “We want seniors to experience something new and know that even in their 80s or 90s, they can still try activities that younger people are excited about,” she said. “There is no age limit to learning.”
Besides drone soccer, participants also took part in adaptive sports such as bocce bowls, bean bag toss, seated volleyball and ladder toss, designed to accommodate different mobility and frailty levels.
For 80-year-old stroke survivor Yeow Soh Lian, who uses a wheelchair, the event was a welcome opportunity to exercise and connect with others. “I especially liked the ladder toss game because it allowed me to exercise my arms,” she shared. “I’m very happy to be part of this event because it gives us the opportunity to bond while trying new things.”
Beyond sports, participants also explored artificial intelligence (AI) and learnt how to recognise scams through interactive digital games developed with the Infocomm Media Development Authority. The event aimed to showcase a broader approach to active ageing – one that goes beyond physical activity to help seniors stay healthy, mentally engaged, socially connected and independent.
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Adviser to Jalan Kayu Grassroots Organisations, graced the occasion and joined the seniors in the activities.
“This inaugural Senior Olympics Day is a very meaningful initiative – it promotes active ageing through activities, as well as fosters friendship and connections among seniors from different parts of Singapore,” he said. “As our population ages, social connections and activities enable our seniors to stay active, build friendships and enjoy community life.”
The event also marked the launch of HARMONY, MWS’ new active ageing framework, which will guide programmes across its seven AACs, reaching more than 16,000 seniors.
“For many years, active ageing was largely associated with keeping seniors occupied. Today, the conversation has evolved. The question is how we help seniors remain healthy, connected, confident and independent for as long as possible,” said MWS CEO Albert Ching.
“HARMONY is our response to that challenge. It provides a common framework that brings together physical wellness, cognitive health, social connection and community participation, so that every programme contributes towards helping seniors age well.”
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