A third of our population will be aged 65 and above by 2050. To make ageing seamless and comfortable, we must design smart green and blue spaces that increase mental health, improve air quality, and create better solutions for home-based healthcare in caregiving, monitoring, and micro-communities.
We also need to help seniors remain active, healthy, and socially engaged. As part of its pitch to the Lien Foundation, noted for its model of radical philanthropy, multidisciplinary creative studio NextofKin Creatives (NOK) re-envisioned senior care by leveraging Singapore’s heritage.
One idea centred on cultural resonance through the involvement of Chinese clan associations, which later developed into Singapore’s first lion dance troupe comprising senior citizens. NOK founder Rodney Loh says lion dance was chosen because of its wide appeal and ability to accommodate people of all abilities.
The Silver Pride Lion Troupe was actualised through a collaboration between NOK, Fei Yue Community Services, and Cantonese clan association Kong Chow Wui Koon. NOK lent expertise in ethnography and design to modify the lion’s head and create senior-friendly engagement touchpoints while Kong Chow Wui Koon choreographed the moves.
Although transforming an intense activity into something accessible and safe for seniors was a challenge, they were confident that it could be done with some adaptation. “Initially, we hypothesised that even seniors in wheelchairs could participate. This led to key interventions such as adapting the lion’s head for wheelchair users and assigning supportive roles like cymbal playing and drumming to other seniors,” Loh says.
Through trials with 30 seniors of different ethnicities at Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre, NOK refined the design for ease of use and minimised strain. Modifications included a redesigned pulley and lever system for better control, padded grips and non-slip tape for stability, and a mesh fabric lion’s head for breathability and visibility.
With a front lion dancer sitting in a wheelchair and a hind dancer managing the wheelchair and performing footwork, while other participants played percussion instruments, the Silver Pride Lion Troupe made its debut at the Fei Yue (Holland Close) CNY Carnival this year.
Even though it is currently on break, there are plans for more performances in the future. Meanwhile, NOK has connected with other communities to brainstorm other ideas for meaningful change. In addition to plans to form troupes for Indian and Malay drumming, it is developing intergenerational play spaces that accommodate different physical and cognitive abilities.
“To differentiate Singapore design, it’s crucial that we continuously innovate and address key imminent challenges. These include sustainability and the health and well-being of our rapidly ageing population.”
Rodney Loh on the steps to propel us forward
In his opinion, good design evokes a sense of familiarity while well-crafted design communicates intangible qualities and possesses je ne sais quoi. It can bring out an emotion that may be hard to describe but can be deeply felt.
He also believes that support for local design in Singapore is among the best in the region, if not globally, and that DesignSingapore Council has been instrumental in championing industry and talent development. This is on top of contributions from sector-specific design associations that actively engage with industry communities to bridge the gap between design and business.
NOK recently participated in the People of Design campaign organised by DesignSingapore Council, which shines the spotlight on everyday individuals who use creative thinking to make a difference. This initiative is pivotal, Loh points out, as it underscores the idea that impactful design is not only limited to professionals.
“Creativity and passion aren’t limited to age nor demographics. It’s truly inspiring to see how design in its various forms can solve problems, improve lives, and strengthen communities.”
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Hizuan Zailani
Hair: Michael Chiew
Makeup: Pris and Dorcas, AASTRAL Beauty
