Established in 2008, Project Inspirar bridges generational divides through meaningful connections between SMU students and Singapore's elderly community. This student-led initiative recognises that active engagement and genuine friendship can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults while promoting healthy aging in Singapore's rapidly graying society.
The project's diverse programmes combine physical wellness, creative expression, and social interaction to create holistic engagement experiences. Light workout sessions including chair yoga and tai chi encourage gentle movement, while arts and crafts activities like lantern making and scrapbook creation provide creative outlets that foster natural conversation. Interactive games such as bingo, charades, and Singapore-themed trivia stimulate cognitive function while creating joyful shared experiences between volunteers and participants.
Project Inspirar also addresses contemporary challenges facing elderly Singaporeans through practical life skills workshops, including digital literacy training and scam awareness sessions. These initiatives equip participants with essential skills to navigate modern technology safely while staying alert to potential threats. In 2023, Project Inspirar conducted a total of 25 key activities and 7 refresher activities for approximately 400 seniors aged between 50 to 90 years old, demonstrating the project's significant reach and impact within the community. Through these varied touchpoints, the project creates lasting intergenerational relationships that are mutually enriching, allowing young volunteers to gain wisdom and perspective while providing elderly participants with companionship, engagement, and continued learning opportunities.
