National Museum of Singapore (NMS) has opened Reunion, the first purpose-built social space for seniors in a local museum, including those experiencing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Launched on 13 April 2023, Reunion supports the museum’s initiatives for seniors, encouraging engaging conversations and activities using the museum’s collection and exhibition galleries.
The space, which comprises a café and an activity space, was conceptualised as part of a collaboration between both organisations to support the health and well-being of seniors, including those living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
The activity space features a group activity area, an immersive projection cave, a Quiet Room, and music booths to encourage group activity during the museum’s programmes for seniors and enhance their museum-visiting experience.
Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum said, “As a people’s museum, we continuously seek to cultivate inclusion and social connectedness among our visitors of diverse backgrounds and age groups, including seniors. We have continually worked with like-minded partners to present meaningful programmes and resources for seniors and their caregivers. To enhance these offerings, we embarked on a series of focus group discussions and engagements with stakeholders, and explored the possibility of a dedicated, museum-based space to provide greater opportunities for cognitive engagement and social interaction amongst seniors. Reunion reflects the museum’s continued commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, and with the Lien Foundation’s support for this project, we are looking forward to partnering our social and health care sector to create a more welcoming environment at the museum for our seniors, who have themselves played an integral role in the stories we present in our galleries.”
Reunion provides a space for seniors to build relationships with old and new friends and relax and be rejuvenated from the day-to-day routine.
Seniors can look forward to reconnecting with the past and relating their own stories and experiences with each other through programmes organised in the activity space. They can also enjoy wholesome meals and conversations in the adjacent café space.
With Reunion, the museum hopes to provide non-medical intervention that embraces social inclusion and health and well-being goals for seniors. Making a case for museums for social prescription in Singapore.
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