Back in 2015, Lim Seng Kim, now 73 years old, was delivering medical supplies to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), when suddenly the bags were slipping from his hands. A Doctor saw it and recognised it as a symptom of stroke. Uncle Lim was immediately warded and stayed in TTSH for the next two months.
Uncle Lim lost his job as a delivery driver after that and at the suggestion of his sister, a volunteer at St John’s Home, he applied and came to stay in our Home.
A hardworking man
Uncle Lim started working as a school bus driver when he turned 21. Fresh out of school, he stayed in the family business for close to 20 years. Eager to try different opportunities, Uncle Lim went to work in a logistics firm as a night delivery driver while continuing to help in the family business. In hindsight, Uncle Lim reckoned that his lifestyle of working day and night could be the cause of his stroke.
Active in school too
When asked what his fond memories are of growing up, he grinned proudly and said he was a school runner, winning medals for the school in the 100m and 200m dash. He remembers vividly that his Primary School, the now defunct West Hill Primary, was the only school which had the “Box-Jump” event, similar to the hurdles except athletes had to jump over wooden boxes instead of hurdles. Progressing to Chung Cheng High School, he was involved in the Drama Club and performed in the annual fundraising event for his School Hall.
On the go at St John’s Home
Despite not being able to move well because of his stroke, Uncle Lim starts his day at 4.30am by walking on the Pebble Walk and then hitting the massage chair till breakfast at 6.30am. He is also a member of the Home’s Seniors-Online Club where residents learn how to use a smartphone. In the evenings, Uncle Lim tends to his Bonsai. He is happy that he can return to his hobby of gardening in St John’s Home.
In fact, Uncle Lim wished that he had travelled and toured the world and even dreamed of driving his delivery truck along the Silk Road!
Uncle Lim is proof that living an active life in one’s senior years is more than possible. It only takes the right mind set!