They chat, laugh, and support one another, forming new friendships and rekindling long-forgotten interests.

This is the essence of Kampungku, a unique clubhouse dedicated to enriching the lives of the elderly by providing a sense of community. At Kampungku, the atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as its name suggests.

“Kampungku is all about creating a sense of belonging,” explained Gan Pooi Chan, the visionary behind this unique clubhouse. “I wanted it to be a place where seniors can come and go freely, just like in a kampung, where everyone knows each other and feels at home.”

At Kampungku there’s a wide range of activities to engage both body and mind. Members participate in everything from yoga and fashion shows to competitive Scrabble matches and karaoke sessions.

Meal are provided, upon request with a small top up, and cooked in-house, ensuring that members enjoy wholesome, home-cooked food daily.

Gan, a former accountant turned elder healthcare entrepreneur, opened Kampungku in March this year, offering both daily and monthly packages.

The choice to use the term “clubhouse” instead of “daycare” or “nursing home” was intentional.

“Many people use the word ‘daycare,’ but for the elderly, that sounds like it’s for kids,” Gan noted. “When we use the word ‘clubhouse,’ it’s about free will. You come as and when you want to. It’s a place to make friends with people of similar age and conditions.”

The bungalow setting was chosen to foster a homely and non-institutional atmosphere. Unlike commercial buildings or facilities run by nursing homes, Kampungku’s setting helps reduce anxiety.

“I want them to feel that this is their home, their kampung,” Gan said. “Here, they can do whatever they want and truly feel a sense of belonging.”

Indeed, Gan believes that mental health is as crucial as physical health, and the sense of belonging at Kampungku helps combat depression and anxiety among the elderly.

By fostering an environment of mutual support, Kampungku ensures that seniors know they are not alone in their journey.

“In an urban area, many people don’t know their neighbours. Seniors who downsize to apartments often feel isolated. At Kampungku, we strive to recreate that village atmosphere where everyone knows each other, and no one feels alone,” Gan noted.

To keep the members, from 60 to 90 years old, occupied, there are diverse activities to promote both physical and cognitive health.

The physical activities, led by physiotherapists, focus on functional exercises.

“We’re not about building muscle but about keeping everyday tasks manageable,” Gan explained. This approach helps seniors maintain their independence and physical health.

Cognitive and social activities, such as memory games and board games like Scrabble, not only keep the mind sharp but also foster camaraderie.

“As a Scrabble enthusiast, I love playing with the elderly. They enjoy the competition and the light in their eyes when they play is delightful. It’s the simple things from our youth that bring back happy memories.”

Kampungku also embraces new learning experiences. For instance, a Japanese member recently taught others how to write their names in Japanese, adding a fun and educational twist to their activities.

Looking ahead, she has plans to expand Kampungku to suburban areas, where such services are scarce.

“Many families in the suburbs struggle with limited options for elderly care,” Gan explained. “I want to bring Kampungku to these areas because that’s where the need is greatest.”

Kampungku also plans to introduce short-term stays. “Many families want to go on vacation but worry about leaving their elderly parents alone. We aim to provide a homely alternative to hotels or nursing homes for short stays,” she said.

Despite the future plans, Gan emphasises that Kampungku’s core mission remains unchanged.

“It’s about ageing gracefully and with dignity. Daycare and nursing homes often miss this element. Here, our seniors are not just participants but valued members of a community,” she said.

For more information, visit Kampungku’s website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.