How long has it been since the elders in our homes truly played a game or laughed heartily? In Melaka, the “Happy Learning Class for Seniors” offers a vibrant space where laughter blossoms, companionship thrives, and learning never ceases. This initiative, launched by Tzu Chi’s Muar Branch in 2024, aims to rekindle the spirits of seniors, providing a haven where they can rediscover the warmth of life and the joy of connection.
Rekindling vitality through play
As time progresses, life can become quieter and lonelier for many elders, with fewer opportunities for laughter and companionship. Yet, a desire to be seen, invited, and accompanied often remains, hoping to reawaken a youthful spirit. The Happy Learning Class was created with this understanding, and the smiles of its participants have become a testament to its success, garnering a warm response from the community.
On September 14, 2025, the second session of the class concluded with a heartwarming “yuan-yuan” day, a term signifying a perfect and harmonious ending. This special day featured no lectures or assessments, only abundant laughter and genuine emotion. 53 seniors and 32 family members participated, accompanied by 56 dedicated volunteers.
The curriculum team thoughtfully designed various fun competitive games, including basketball shooting, table tennis, desktop curling, and memory challenges. Under the guidance of team leaders, seniors were divided into groups, encouraging and supporting each other. Laughter echoed throughout the venue, painting a picture of warmth and joy.
Team leader Lin Cuifang shared her observations: “When I accompany the seniors, I feel their joy, and it unconsciously infects me too. Today, they were all like children, trying hard for the rankings and helping each other. But winning or losing no longer mattered; happiness was the greatest reward.” She added, “Elders might be quiet at home, but here, they return to their childhood, finding long-lost happiness.”
LEFT: Seniors joyfully engage in various fun competitive games. Pictured is Chen Li (陳莉) (seated, left) with her daughter Cai Suzhen (蔡素珍) (standing, left). | Photo: Wang Hsiao-Hsiang (王曉翔) RIGHT: The 2025 Happy Learning Class for Seniors concludes with a joyful "yuan-yuan" day! | Photo: Soh Siew Lian (蘇秀蓮)
Family companionship, love in action
Chin Lee-Ying (陳麗英) has participated in the “Happy Learning Class for Seniors” for two consecutive years. This year, eight family members came to support her, forming a warm cheerleading squad at each game station. She expressed her delight, saying, “At home, I’m busy with housework every day and usually quiet, but here, singing and playing games, I feel especially relaxed.” She particularly enjoyed table tennis and beanbag toss because “it felt like going back to childhood, reliving simple happiness.”
LEFT: Chin Lee-Ying focuses intently while shooting hoops, feeling particularly relaxed. | Photo: Chen Songji RIGHT: Her family accompanies Chin Lee-Ying, sharing joyful moments together. | Photo: Lo Chia-Hsuan (羅家萱)
Her daughter, Xie Peixia (謝佩霞), who accompanied her, noted the positive change: “Seeing Mom interact with friends and smile more, we feel relieved. She usually has little entertainment at home, but now that she’s come out, her life is completely different.” At the end of the class, her family collectively wished her, “Mom, we wish you good health and happiness every day!”
Three generations, shared joy
Eighty-nine-year-old Chen Yuhui (陳玉惠), radiant with a smile, sat in her wheelchair. She shared how attending six classes this year and learning various crafts made her days fulfilling and interesting. When asked about returning next year, she initially joked, “I don’t know if I’ll be alive next year?” but after a volunteer encouraged her to cherish the present, her eyes brightened, and she declared with determination, “If someone drives me, I will definitely come.”
LEFT: Chen Yuhui (second left) and her daughter Huang Xiubao (黃秀寳) (left) happily participate in the games. | Photo: Soh Siew Lian RIGHT: The seniors play as happily as children. | Photo: Chen Songji
Her daughter, Huang Xiubao (黃秀寳), described the “yuan-yuan” class as her mother’s first “graduation ceremony.” She explained,
No matter how far, I would go to my children’s graduation ceremonies. This is my mom’s first graduation ceremony, and I must be here to accompany her. Being able to accompany my mom is a blessing.” Watching her mother fully engaged, she remarked, “Mom truly lives by ‘live and learn.’ I hope that when I’m old, I can also live such a life.
Huang Xiubao shared that her mother excitedly recounted the class activities to the family every time she returned home, her face beaming with joy. “This is not just an activity; it allows seniors to step out of their homes, interact with others, and regain vitality and smiles.” Her granddaughter, Wen Wanxin (溫婉昕), added, “I feel very honored to be able to accompany my grandmother. Usually, she mostly watches TV at home, so it’s rare for her to have the opportunity to chat with friends and play games. Seeing her smile so brightly today makes me feel very happy, too.” The companionship of three generations filled the class with warmth, solidifying family love and the joy of being cared for.
The Happy Learning Class for Seniors is more than just a series of activities; it is a testament to the enduring power of companionship and learning. It provides a space where seniors can thrive, connect, and continue to enrich their lives. As the program looks forward to future sessions, it continues to foster a vibrant community where every participant feels valued and cherished, proving that with love and engagement, life in old age can remain colorful and brilliant.
Written by Yo Choon Yen (楊春燕)
Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)
