At House of Joy, a Mother and Daughter Spend Their Golden Years Together

In 2017, Mdm Ong Gim Boon, 69, retired and began caring for her mother, Mdm Tan Soh Eng, who is now 100 years old. That same year, Mdm Tan suffered a serious fall and required surgery. She spent time in hospital recovering, but even then, she remained determined to stay active, diligently attending physiotherapy sessions despite her age.

Mother and daughter joined House of Joy in 2018. Since then, it has become a meaningful part of their weekly routine.

For Mdm Ong, the garden offers a quiet refuge. Tending to the plants brings her a sense of calm, a moment of stillness away from the pace of daily life. For her mother, chair yoga has become a favourite activity, helping her maintain mobility and strength. The pair also attend tai chi classes together.

The activities are simple, but the time spent side by side matters. In the rhythm of weekly classes and shared routines, they have found new ways to enjoy each other’s company.

Like many mothers and daughters, they have had their moments of disagreement. But over the years, their relationship has deepened in understanding and care. Today, Mdm Ong continues to look after her mother with quiet devotion — preparing her meals, accompanying her to the centre, and encouraging her to stay active.

And each time they walk into House of Joy together, it is a small but powerful reminder: that growing older is not only about care, but about companionship and the enduring bond between a mother and her daughter.