Power of Play
At 71, Mdm Choo Geok Eng rediscovered the joy of sports – and how it’s more than a game
“How can an old person like me play basketball?”
That was 71-year-old Mdm Choo Geok Eng’s first thought when invited to join a basketball game at MWS Active Ageing Centre – Fernvale Rivergrove last year.
“I was scared because I played basketball when I was younger, and it is a physical and aggressive sport. I was worried about getting knocked over,” she explained.
“But I soon discovered that the sport has been adapted for seniors to ensure our safety.”
Since then, the active ager has participated in a range of adaptive sports, such as basketball, Frisbee and Walking Captain’s Ball. “It reminds me of the joyful times I had playing ball games in school. I am thrilled that I can still enjoy sports at my age. Scoring a point brings a sense of accomplishment and lifts my spirits!” she gushed.
Staying active, ageing well
Mdm Choo recalled that about a decade ago, she developed left knee pain due to joint arthritis from wear and tear, which made walking and squatting challenging.
“I used to have leg muscle stiffness, but adaptive sports have relieved it and improved my flexibility. My knees also no longer hurt when I squat to do household chores,” said the full-time housewife and grandmother.
Her improved fitness and energy have enhanced her ability to perform caregiving duties and household tasks more effectively.
Mdm Choo noted that adaptive sports offer greater benefits compared to other exercise programmes, providing a full-body workout that results in improved coordination, flexibility, balance, and functional strength.
“In the past, I used to feel unsteady while walking, and almost had a fall once – thankfully, a stranger caught hold of me! Now, I can better regain my balance and avoid falls,” she said.
Bonding over Sports
Apart from boosting the mental and physical health of seniors, adaptive sports also help them connect with others and enhance their social well-being.
Mdm Choo herself has made new friends through adaptive sports. “There are seniors whom I rarely spoke to before. But because we compete and strategise together during these sports activities, it has created opportunities for us to interact,” she said.
The senior added: “Being consistent with exercise is crucial, and group workouts keep us motivated. For us seniors, it is vital to stay active to reduce the risk of dementia.”
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