Singapore's Ah Ma Flippa Ball team, composed of grandmothers primarily in their 60s to 80s, showcases a remarkable initiative by the government to promote active aging, challenging stereotypes about older adults through a fun and physically engaging sport.
Grandmothers Take to the Water: Singapore's Ah Ma Flippa Ball Team Celebrates Senior Fitness
Grandmothers Take to the Water: Singapore's Ah Ma Flippa Ball Team Celebrates Senior Fitness
The Ah Ma Flippa Ball team exemplifies Singapore's innovative approach to keeping senior citizens engaged and active through sports, demonstrating that age is just a number.
In Singapore, the Ah Ma Flippa Ball team—comprised of grandmothers, whose name translates to "grandma" in various Chinese dialects—has taken the local sporting scene by storm. Formed in 2016, this spirited group of women, mostly aged between 60 to 80, plays a modified version of water polo, creating waves of excitement not only in the pool but also in how seniors can redefine aging.
During practice on a recent Tuesday, the energy was palpable as players tussled for possession of the ball. Amidst playful banter, Lee Fong Nam, one of the team's stars, expressed mock frustration at the absence of a referee's whistle, jokingly labelling their spirited antics as "playing rugby." This lively exchange highlights the jovial atmosphere and determination entwined within this unique team.
As a testament to Singapore's economic prosperity, the nation's average life expectancy has soared to 84 years, resulting in nearly 20% of its populace now being over 65. To accommodate this demographic shift, the government has extended the retirement age and introduced re-employment policies, ensuring continued engagement in the workforce for older adults. Additionally, financial incentives are offered to both seniors and "young seniors" in their 50s and 60s.
The initiative extends beyond economic measures, with the government deploying "Silver Generation Ambassadors" to visit seniors living alone, promoting exercise and social activities like playing Rummy-O and joining e-sports teams or cheerleading squads. This progressive approach aims to cultivate a vibrant and active community of older residents.
The Ah Ma Flippa Ball initiative started with a simple proposition—coaching older individuals in the joys of flippa ball. A sports official, captivated by the idea of uniting seniors through sport, approached coach Ting Kum Luen, who was initially skeptical but later embraced the project. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, offering the elderly a chance to engage, compete, and foster camaraderie through fun and friendly matches.
In a society that tends to underestimate the capabilities of its senior citizens, Singapore’s Ah Ma Flippa Ball team stands as a vibrant example of how sports and community can encourage active living and redefine perceptions of aging.
