PSLE#17 English Oral - Ageing Well: The Importance of Active Ageing in Our Community
PSLEhacker Episode #17 - TREE Method
Date of News Article: 18 February 2026 Source: Adapted from The Straits Times (Singapore)
Reading Passage:
Singapore is rapidly becoming a “super-aged” society, where a significant portion of the population is 65 years or older. This demographic shift has made the concept of “ageing in place” a pressing national issue. Ageing in place means that seniors can continue to live independently and comfortably in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving into nursing homes.
For this to be successful, two key factors must be addressed: financial planning and holistic care. While financial security is crucial, the social and physical well-being of our seniors is equally important. The government has been actively upgrading neighbourhoods to be more senior-friendly, installing features like ramps, grab bars, and more fitness corners in parks.
These community spaces, like the one pictured, are vital. They encourage seniors to step out of their flats, stay physically active, and socialize with neighbours. Regular exercise is not just about physical strength; it also helps to keep their minds sharp and spirits high.
However, infrastructure alone is not enough. A truly inclusive society requires the effort of everyone. Younger generations can play a significant part by showing respect, offering a helping hand, and simply spending time chatting with elderly neighbours. By fostering a community of care and graciousness, we can ensure that Singapore remains a wonderful place for everyone to grow old together.
Word Count: 295 words
PSLE Oral Practice: Stimulus-Based Conversation (TREE Method)
Question 1: Visual Stimulus
“Look at the picture. What is the elderly man doing, and why is it important for seniors to do this?”
Thought (T): The man is exercising on a machine at a fitness corner. It is extremely important for seniors to stay physically active.
Reason (R): As people get older, their muscles can weaken. Regular exercise, like what the man is doing, helps to keep them strong, improve their balance to prevent falls, and boost their overall health.
Experience (E): My own grandfather goes for a brisk walk in the park every morning. He always tells me that it gives him energy for the day and helps him sleep better at night. Seeing him so active makes me realize how important it is.
Ending (E): Therefore, staying active is a key part of “ageing well” and allows seniors to live independently for longer.
Question 2: Personal Opinion
“How can young people like you help seniors in your community feel more welcomed and included?”
Thought (T): We can make them feel included through simple, everyday acts of kindness and respect.
Reason (R): Sometimes, seniors can feel lonely or invisible. A small gesture from a younger person can brighten their day and make them feel valued as part of the community.
Experience (E): For example, when I see an elderly neighbour in the lift, I always smile and greet them. If they are carrying heavy groceries, I offer to help hold the lift door or carry the bags for them.
Ending (E): These small acts of graciousness help to build a warmer and more inclusive neighbourhood for everyone.
Question 3: Solution-Based
“Besides exercise, what else is important for seniors to be able to ‘age in place’ happily in their own homes?”
Thought (T): Besides physical health, they need strong social connections and a safe living environment.
Reason (R): Loneliness can be a big problem for seniors living alone. Also, their homes need to be safe to prevent accidents.
Experience (E): Our community centres offer many activities like karaoke singing, art and craft workshops, and even digital skills classes for seniors to make friends and learn new things. Also, the government helps to install grab bars and non-slip tiles in their flats to make them safer.
Ending (E): By taking care of their social and emotional needs, as well as their physical safety, we can ensure they enjoy their golden years.
To be continue ………………
Theme: Active Ageing / Community & Social Cohesion Visual Stimulus: The image you provided: A photo from The Straits Times showing an elderly man wearing a mask, exercising on a yellow leg-press machine at an outdoor fitness corner in a park. Other people are in the background.
📖 Vocabulary List
Super-aged society (Noun phrase): A society where a high percentage of the population is aged 65 or older.
Pressing (Adjective): Requiring quick or immediate action or attention.
Independently (Adverb): Without outside help; on one’s own.
Holistic (Adjective): Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole (e.g., looking at physical, social, and mental health together).
Inclusive (Adjective): Including or covering all the services, facilities, or items normally expected or required; not excluding any section of society.
🌟 Idiom of the Day
“Age is just a number”
Meaning: A person’s age does not define their abilities, energy, or potential.
PSLE Oral Usage: “Seeing that elderly man exercising so vigorously shows that age is just a number when you take care of your health.”