SPECIALIST DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY
(MENTAL HEALTH) (E-Learning)

I am quite new to the area of eldercare and especially the term Gerontology, but this has been my burning passion to serve.

I came into the course with an open mind and the intention to learn more of eldercare and elderly related issues.

My first module encounter with Phyllis was positive, she has made one of the most difficult module to be easily absorbed. Her lectures delivery was engaging and interactive for the class.

This journey of learning has also allowed me to see my ageing parents from a very different angles and begin to accept their ageing shortcomings better.

In my individual assignment, I took the topic of ‘Violence on Older Adults and the Vulnerable Adults Act’s application’.

As I write my assignment, it has made me to realise that all what the State could enshrining the VAA to legalisation but there are still much limitations.

Basically, because we have very unique culture with blend of Asian piety, family hierarchy and upbringing, alongside with formal Western Education and influences.

From this point I really hope there will not be the need to use the VAA to bring any one to persecution because every aging elderly deserves to age in full dignity.

I really encourage anyone who is keen to learn first-hand knowledge of the ageing experience and against the stereotyping of ageism to attend this course.

It’s eye-opening, informative and lastly applicative to every interest on how the older adult goes thru ageing process.

As I am not from the healthcare industry, this first module is both refreshing and tough but with Phyllis’ help, I believe I have managed to gain some basic understanding on how the healthcare system works in Singapore.

For me, besides learning and trying to pass this module, what I have acquired is important as I age and have ageing parents. Through hers and others' sharing, I have come to know more on the plight of other vulnerable older adults. This made me become more tolerance on the behaviours of some older adults I encountered thinking that perhaps their behaviours were an outlet for them to release their stress.

Both the individual assignments have been very meaningful for me. As a result of the individual formative assignment, I have adopted a more inquisitive mindset and active listening to the elderly persons I encountered. I also used the "interview techniques" to learn more about my parents' childhood which I would not have bothered if I didn't do this assignment.

The summative assignment was rather difficult for me but through research and reading, I believe I now have more understanding on some of the schemes and programmes that the government has in placed to assist the vulnerable older adults. It has also reminded me that I need to keep myself active if I want to age healthily.

I have gain a lot of knowledge through this assessment exercise. I am surprised with the vast amount of support that the Singapore government has provided to help her citizens. At the same time, there is information overload for me with the different programmes and schemes provided by those key players in the social service sector to provide assistance to different needy groups. The effort on those readings will not go waste as I am able to share my knowledge to my families and friends, especially the MediFund scheme that many people may not be aware of it and the MSF has evolved from Social Welfare Department (SWD) that started the Communal Feeding Programme to sell subsidised meals at one-fifth of the price at which a similar meal from other restaurants.