New Memories, New Beginnings

Mr Aziz Rahman and his wife, Mdm Zubaida, at Canopy Park. 

For 40 years, Mr Aziz Rahman, 71, guarded Singapore’s harbours as a policeman. After retiring in 2015, he looked forward to spending more time with his wife, Mdm Zubaida, doing the simple things they loved.

Then, life took an unexpected turn.

In 2024, Mr Aziz suffered a stroke. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As stiffness set in, he began falling frequently, and everyday tasks became increasingly difficult.

In November 2024, Mr Aziz joined St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) Day Rehabilitation Centre @ Chong Pang. While rehabilitation helped rebuild his strength, the turning point came when he joined the SLEC Senior Care Centre next door. There, he found more than physical care – he made new friends, played new games and created new memories.

Mr Aziz taking the mic at Karaoke Wednesday.

Today, Mr Aziz is always among the first to pick up the microphone during Karaoke Wednesdays, belting out to his favourite song “Green Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones. Between activities, he is a source of encouragement to fellow seniors, offering companionship and a listening ear.

For Mdm Zubaida, the change has brought peace of mind and eased her caregiving load: “Aziz is very different now. He’s so happy. After he comes home, he tells me about his friends, the games and what he ate. He used to be very grouchy. His mood is much better now.”

Wanting to spend more time together, Mdm Zubaida also joins Mr Aziz on outings organised by the centre. With the care staff’s support, jalan-jalan has become easier and much more enjoyable.

After spending four decades watching over Singapore’s harbours, Mr Aziz is now on a different journey – one filled with moments and memories that bring smiles to both him and his wife.