Building a Community Beyond the Game

“We have more connections now. Initially we didn’t know anybody, but more neighbours joined over time. At least now I know them, it feels more neighbourly,” says Mr Michael, 78, an active member of the group. ​ The Beyond Boccia initiative first began when Allkin staff Darren and Iris explored ways to better engage seniors living in private estates – a group that may not regularly participate in centre-based activities, but could still benefit from meaningful opportunities to connect, contribute, and stay active. ​ Boccia became a simple starting point. By organising games at a nearby pavilion, they brought the activity closer to seniors in the private estate, making it easy for residents to join by introducing them to Allkin’s Active Ageing Centre (AAC) @ Sin Ming 25. ​ The sport was new to many seniors, but its simplicity made it accessible and easy to pick up. ​ “It’s not physically demanding. You don’t have to run, and you can sit comfortably on a chair. But it still trains our eyesight, hand strength, and our brain, because we have to think carefully about the strategy behind every throw,” shares Mdm Julie, 76.

Beyond its physical and cognitive benefits, the game gave many seniors something they had never experienced before – the chance to discover a competitive spirit and the confidence that comes with mastering a new skill.

“You can see that they get so serious about competitions. They try their best to win, and they feel sad when they don’t,” says Iris, who leads the centre.

For Mdm Yu, boccia has become more than a personal hobby. It is also a way to encourage other seniors to stay active and connected.

“We learn together and work together as a group to win,” she shares. “By inviting them to join boccia and other activities at the AAC, we can encourage other seniors to be more active instead of staying at home alone.”

Over time, what started as a staff-led initiative has evolved into a senior-led community.

Seniors such as Mdm Yu, Mr Wong, Mdm Julie, and Mr Michael now take turns facilitating practice sessions, refereeing games, sharing strategies, and patiently guiding newer players. They also look out for one another in thoughtful and practical ways. Mr Wong, for instance, suggested using a basket to make the game easier for everyone, noticing that some members found it difficult to bend down to collect the balls.

With the seniors taking greater ownership, staff have been able to step back into a supporting role – ensuring safety and connecting the group to opportunities such as competitions.

For Darren, one recent moment captured just how far the group has come. “In the past, when disagreements arose, seniors would usually turn to me for help. But recently, Mdm Yu stepped in to mediate a conflict within the group,” Darren says. It was a quiet but meaningful sign of the trust and shared responsibility that had grown within the group.

Beyond Boccia shows what active ageing can look like when seniors are not just invited to participate but trusted to lead. In their own ways, they have turned a simple game into a community that keeps growing – a true reflection of Allkin’s belief in doing things with seniors, by seniors.