In Singapore, the Ah Ma Flippa Ball team is more than just a sports group; it embodies a cultural shift towards a more active and engaged senior population. The term "Ah Ma," meaning grandmother in various Chinese dialects, reflects the team's spirit as they dive into a modified version of water polo, playing with enthusiasm and a competitive edge.
On a recent Tuesday, laughter and friendly challenges filled the air as players tussled for the ball in the pool. When Lee Fong Nam, a spirited 71-year-old player, called for the referee’s attention over an unwhistled foul, her coach jokingly remarked, “You all are playing rugby!” This playful scene highlights the fierce competitiveness and camaraderie among the women, aged between their 60s and 80s.
As Singapore’s prosperity soars, so does its life expectancy, currently averaging 84 years. With nearly 20% of the population over 65, initiatives encouraging senior participation in physical activities have gained momentum. The government has raised the retirement age and extended re-employment mandates for older workers. Additionally, benefits like cash grants are being offered to younger seniors in their 50s and 60s.
Innovative outreach through “Silver Generation Ambassadors” fosters connections with seniors, urging them to partake in various activities, from exercising and gaming to learning robotics and languages. The city's evolving social structure is evident, as older residents join cheerleading squads, e-sports teams, and the flippa ball crew.
The flippa ball initiative began in 2016 when Ting Kum Luen, coaching a children’s class, was approached to lead sessions for older individuals. Skeptical at first, he soon recognized the joy and vitality these seniors brought to the game—demonstrating that it’s never too late to engage in sports and form meaningful social connections.
As the Ah Ma Flippa Ball team plays, they are not just scoring goals; they are redefining aging in Singapore, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to passion, play, and community.
On a recent Tuesday, laughter and friendly challenges filled the air as players tussled for the ball in the pool. When Lee Fong Nam, a spirited 71-year-old player, called for the referee’s attention over an unwhistled foul, her coach jokingly remarked, “You all are playing rugby!” This playful scene highlights the fierce competitiveness and camaraderie among the women, aged between their 60s and 80s.
As Singapore’s prosperity soars, so does its life expectancy, currently averaging 84 years. With nearly 20% of the population over 65, initiatives encouraging senior participation in physical activities have gained momentum. The government has raised the retirement age and extended re-employment mandates for older workers. Additionally, benefits like cash grants are being offered to younger seniors in their 50s and 60s.
Innovative outreach through “Silver Generation Ambassadors” fosters connections with seniors, urging them to partake in various activities, from exercising and gaming to learning robotics and languages. The city's evolving social structure is evident, as older residents join cheerleading squads, e-sports teams, and the flippa ball crew.
The flippa ball initiative began in 2016 when Ting Kum Luen, coaching a children’s class, was approached to lead sessions for older individuals. Skeptical at first, he soon recognized the joy and vitality these seniors brought to the game—demonstrating that it’s never too late to engage in sports and form meaningful social connections.
As the Ah Ma Flippa Ball team plays, they are not just scoring goals; they are redefining aging in Singapore, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to passion, play, and community.
