Truly Thriving - Our Senior Years

On 20 September 2025, CCMC’s Witness & Evangelism Ministry organised a talk titled ‘Truly Thriving - Our Senior Years’. The talk, held in the Chapel, offered thoughtful insights to church members and visitors on how to approach their senior years with confidence and grace.

The talk was conducted by Ms Lilian Quek, a professional counsellor specialising in helping individuals navigate bereavement, life transitions, and anxiety, enabling them to overcome challenges and thrive. She runs her own counselling practice, and is a dedicated member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Through the talk, Lilian warmly inspired the audience with strategies for managing life transitions, especially during our senior years. The session began by addressing life transitions as potential sources of stress.

Challenging perceptions

Lilian’s gentle delivery encouraged the audience to reflect on aging, as well as our perceptions and assumptions about growing older. For example, many people associate aging with illness and loneliness.

She vividly recounted the grief of losing family members, cherished friends, and loved ones, portraying it as a natural part of the aging journey.

Our best years

Lilian offered a different perspective on our senior years. She emphasised that these years can be the best part of our lives, filled with happiness and fulfillment—like the sparkling fireworks during Singapore’s National Day parade that light up the sky.

She compared our senior years to these magnificent fireworks, a fiery celebration of our achievements.

Lively Q&A session

When the audience had a chance to ask Lilian questions, they asked quickly and eagerly, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Mr Roger Heng asked Lilian what she thinks about having a bucket list and setting goals, sparking an interesting discussion.

Lilian shared her opinion, noting that having a bucket list is a great way to make the most of this season. With more free time, it's an ideal opportunity to explore new interests and pursue long-held dreams.

She also believed that setting goals alongside a bucket list could be beneficial, helping us make progress and establish milestones for personal growth and achievement.

Audience Reflections

Mr Leslie Wong, CCMC Lay Leader, noted that many people struggle to talk about their emotions and difficulties during times of change. Lilian concurred and recommended that a helpful first step is to foster friendships and relationships.

Being surrounded by trusted individuals makes it easier to share our feelings and experiences. Discussing our challenges can help us clarify our thoughts and may even nudge us toward constructive next steps.

Reaching out to leaders or to the pastoral team at church would be a good way to discuss concerns that life transitions bring.

Ms Fenella Tang, a visitor to our church, commented that the talk gave her some ideas on how to age well.  She looks forward to putting these ideas into practice.

Ms Lee Shu-Lyn with Mr Chan See Chin leading worship at the start of the event.

Ms Lee Shu Lyn, who joyfully led the worship alongside Mr Chan See Chin, remarked that Mr. Chan exemplifies the vibrant spirit of enjoying our senior years. With plenty of exercise and dedication, he not only stays active but also serves as an inspiring guitarist, showcasing that age is just a number.

Truly Thriving - Possible for all!

The event closed on a note of hopeful encouragement. As Lilian shared, with healthier perspectives, purposeful goals, a supportive community and God’s guidance, we too can truly thrive during our senior years!

The presentation slides from the talk are available for download here.