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(Translation)

I remember when I was little, my grandmother often told me stories from her younger days. She said that in the past, when visiting relatives in Malaysia, people usually took the train from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. She also said that in her youth, she worked as a ¡°Samsui¡± woman, carrying bricks and lifting cement every day to raise her three children through sheer hard work. She spoke, too, of how terrifying the Japanese Occupation was. Back then, the currency was called ¡°banana notes¡± and stacks of them could hardly buy anything.

These memories are not just about hardships, but also about joy, resilience, perseverance, and love. I gradually realised that these stories are not just my grandmother’s personal memories, but also the shared history of Singapore.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore¡¯s founding, encouraging us to reflect on the journey we have taken. Cross-generational sharing may seem simple, but this act of ¡°reminiscing¡± can have a profound impact on the elderly.

¡°Reminiscence Therapy¡± is a non-pharmacological psychological intervention first proposed in the 1960s by psychiatrist Butler. It aims to improve mental health by sharing personal experiences. Many studies have shown that this approach can help older adults reduce depression, build confidence, and increase satisfaction with life. For example, a 2012 meta-analysis of over 100 studies by psychologists Pinquart and Forstmeier as well as a 2021 systematic review by Tam et al., both found that reminiscence therapy can effectively ease depressive symptoms in the elderly, enhance self-esteem, improve life satisfaction, and strengthen emotional connections with others. When the memories shared are especially meaningful, the positive psychological benefits become even more pronounced. Storytelling not only stimulates activity in the brain¡¯s memory regions but also strengthens emotional bonds between people.

Today, many community centres and senior activity centres across the country are already running reminiscence-sharing activities. Some gather seniors in a circle to tell stories, while others use old photos or vintage objects to trigger their memories. Young volunteers listen attentively by their side, helping to record the stories. These simple interactions often build unexpected emotional bridges between generations.

Talking to elders about the past is not difficult. You can ask them: ¡°How did you celebrate National Day when you were a child?¡± ¡°What did you do for a living?¡± or ¡°What did you eat at home during Mid-Autumn Festival?¡± An old photo, a familiar song, or a traditional dish can all spark the start of a reminiscence. You can use your phone to record their stories, take photos, and even share them online with relatives and friends.

Although my grandmother has passed away, I still remember some of the stories she told me. Even if I cannot recall every detail, I have begun sharing the most memorable parts with my children. Her memories have become part of mine, and they will also become part of my children¡¯s memories.

As the fireworks explode into the sky, take a moment to reflect on these little stories from our lives. They are the puzzle pieces that make up Singapore’s grand history. By remembering them together, we can move forward together.

Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore. May we continue to listen, share, and work together to build up this place we call ¡°home.¡±