When Raymond Chandran was diagnosed with glaucoma 14 years ago, he didn’t stop living an active lifestyle.
The retiree, who worked for an engineering company for 32 years and then worked as a trainer for the Workplace Safety and Health Committee for seven years, often played badminton with his wife or soccer with friends.
However, as his eyesight deteriorated due to glaucoma, he was forced to give up his hobby. He recalls being sad, disappointed, and frustrated because sports had always been a big part of his life.
He quickly adapted by exploring exercises and activities that did not require perfect eyesight, and this gave him the opportunity to find new hobbies.
Mr Chandran, who was 63 at the time of his diagnosis, underwent three surgical treatments and has since required eye drops five times daily to reduce the pressure in his eyes.
Although his eyesight has deteriorated and his walking has slowed, the 77-year-old still makes it a point to walk briskly from his home in the West Coast area to Clementi Stadium or Clementi Central three times a week. This routine allows him to clock 10,000 steps each time.
His advice to other seniors who want to stay active, even those whose eyesight is deteriorating, is: “Be bold, be determined, stay positive, and never give up.”
For him, it’s all about finding the right activity and exercise, no matter your age or health condition. It not only helps him stay physically fit but also stays socially connected to the community.
“When you go to the stadium, you meet new friends who walk with you. Afterwards, you go for coffee or a snack together,” he said, adding that the simple activity of walking can help expand your social circle.
About two years ago, he enrolled in the SASCO@WestCoast Active Aging Center, where he learned how to do band exercises and Zumba chairs. The latter involves fun dance moves performed entirely from the seat, so it’s suitable for just about anyone, and is gentle and slow-paced enough for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Every Saturday, Chandran goes to a block near his apartment to take part in a low-intensity Zumba Gold class run by the Health Promotion Committee.
Even when he was busy in his youth, nothing stopped him from maintaining an active lifestyle.
He recalls having to travel abroad for work to countries like Bahrain, Uganda and Indonesia, but he didn’t use that as an excuse to reduce his physical activity. Mr. Chandran often visits famous places and has climbed mountains such as Mount Bromo in East Java.
Fits in every detail
These days, a typical daily routine for a father of two begins with a quick stretch when he wakes up and a 25-minute walk after breakfast to a nearby supermarket to buy groceries or catch up with friends. Masu.
