Real Experiences from Kuching Seniors

The Starting Point

Madam Wong, 68, Kuching

After retiring, Madam Wong found her weeks felt unstructured and her mornings quiet. She wanted something regular to look forward to but was not interested in anything that felt like a class or required specific clothing or footwear.

What She Tried

She joined the Gentle Morning Group as a first step. After enjoying the seated activity and the social time over tea, she moved into the Active Weeks Coaching series the following month. By the third week, she had started to look forward to Thursdays in a way she had not expected.

After Six Months

Now an Active Living Member, Madam Wong attends sessions twice a week and joined the waterfront outing in March. She mentions that the consistent schedule and the familiar faces each week have made a practical difference to how her week feels.

"I do not feel like I am sitting at home waiting for time to pass anymore."

The Starting Point

Encik Saiful, 72, Kuching

Encik Saiful had been told by his doctor to move around more each day. He was looking for something local, not too strenuous, and ideally where he could go with a friend. His neighbour had heard about Usiawan and they decided to enquire together.

What He Tried

He and his neighbour both enrolled in the Active Weeks Coaching series. The facilitator made sure both men could follow the session without strain, offering the seated version during balance activities. Encik Saiful particularly valued the printed summary — he shared it with his wife each week.

After the Coaching Series

He described feeling more confident about simple daily movements — going up steps slowly, reaching shelves, walking for longer without tiring quickly. He attributes this partly to the sessions and partly to the walking he started doing on off-days after seeing it mentioned in the printed materials.

"I liked that they did not push us. We went at the pace that suited us."

The Starting Point

Cik Nora, 65, Batu Kawa

Cik Nora's children had been encouraging her to join some kind of activity group for over a year. She was hesitant because she was not sure what to expect and did not want to feel out of place. Her youngest daughter found Usiawan online and booked the morning session as a gift.

What She Tried

Her daughter came along for the first session. The facilitator greeted them both warmly and explained everything before the session started. Cik Nora found the session straightforward and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the social break was — she ended up staying an extra twenty minutes talking.

Where She Is Now

Cik Nora has been a member for over a year. She says the outings are her favourite part and that she has made two good friends through the group. Her family have noticed she is more settled and cheerful on the days she attends sessions.

"My daughter did not need to encourage me after the first session. I went back on my own the following week."