Societys Problem 36 %of the elderly are lonely in Singapore yet only 3% of the elderly are lonely and

are living alone. Data source : The Sunday Times, 6 May 2012

Our solution is to organise elderly volunteers to conduct cooking lessons by inviting them to share their the recipes and cooking tips in hands-on demonstrations at the RC. Any participant of all ages can pay a minimal fee for the session and enjoy the dish they have learnt to prepare.

Elderly In Singapore

Lonely Elderly living alone Lonely elderly not living alone Other Elderly

3% 33% 64%

Why Did We Choose This Idea?

Food is the central theme that draws people together. We thought that this activity can actively engage the elderly, whether they join in as participant or as an instructor. Furthermore, we wanted an activity that appeals to people of to all ages so participants can join in to interact with the elderly. Our team approached 30 elderly for an interview, and 80% of the elderly are willing to teach the young cooking lessons because they feel it is a meaningful activity and a way for them to pass on traditional recipes to future generations.

How are we going to do it? We are organising cooking lessons for the young, taught by the elderly(recruited voluntarily). We are planning to use the various CCs as the venues although it is not yet confirmed. We will to recruit elderly who are willing to teach the young how to cook some of our local dishes (eg Curry Fish Head). The cost of the tickets will be used to cover the ingredient fees. Target Group Any young people (12 years and above) who are willing to learn or further their skills in cooking Publicity We will print event posters and banners and put them up around the neighbourhood we are going to have lessons at. We will also make use of social media like Facebook and Twitter, to advertise our sessions to the young. We will target elderly groups and elderly around the neighbourhood by personally inviting them initially so that they will find it less threatening to attend the first session since they know the organisers.

Chance Of Success After the numerous hours of hard work we put in interviewing the public on their views, We found them quite welcoming and supportive of our initiative and thought it was a great idea since many younger people know nuts about the art of cooking and thought it was also a great engagement activity for the elderly. Our selling point is the elderly sharing their secret traditional recipes of home cooking to people and a revival of what is old and traditional to those interested to learn. If this project is successful, we would organise island wide activities like these.