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Housewife Tominah Rambi cannot walk long distances but on Saturday, to help her get around, she received a wheelchair from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, subsidised by the national Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund.
The 69-year-old widow was one of eight residents who received assistive devices from Mr Lee - from a pair of spectacles to a walking stick - at his Teck Ghee ward's Active Ageing Night.
The $50 million fund, which subsidised 90 per cent of the cost of their devices, also covers transport to day-rehabilitation centres, and health needs like diapers for the elderly. It aims to enable the elderly to live independently in their homes and move around with ease in their community.
The fund was enlarged from $10 million to $50 million in July this year, and expanded to cover more assistive devices and health-care supplies.
In a speech, PM Lee said the ward's 3,000-strong active ageing group keeps physically and mentally fit through activities such as mahjong and basketball.
Observing that an elderly woman had stood up spontaneously from her seat to dance during a performance, he said: "That's the spirit with which we hope you will participate and engage and have friends, so that you stay well in body and in spirit.
"You do your part and the Government, also, we do our part, supporting you, helping you to have meaningful, happy, healthy, long and pleasant golden sunset years."
Earlier, he attended Jalan Kayu's emergency preparedness day events, where he unveiled a signage marking the emergency assembly area - a basketball court next to Hwi Yoh Community Centre - for residents.
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