May 12, 2025
Tzu Chi’s Golden Age Academy keeps seniors active and engaged
By Joy Rojas
For five Saturdays, beginning on May 10, Tzu Chi Philippines will welcome a group of senior citizens to its Golden Age Academy, an initiative that checks all the boxes of how to keep the elderly happy, healthy, and engaged.
Its first session, held at the Unity Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, was packed with gentle yet lively and fun activities. Led by Tzu Chi volunteers, 22 senior citizens sang “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music, followed professional physical therapists in standing and sitting aerobics, played Balloon Tennis using fly swatters as racquets, and traced patterns on a worksheet with colored pens. A break of vegetarian snacks then lunch allowed them to chat with friends old and new.
Introduced some 10 years ago at a Quezon City residence, the initiative was revived when Tzu Chi volunteers noticed how seniors were feeling left out of their families’ active lives. “A lot of parents have children who are busy. This makes them sad and anxious,” says Golden Age Academy co-organizer Josephine So. “What we do now is more disciplined because we have exercise, drawing, and music therapy.”
If participants (whose ages range from 70 to 93) needed little convincing to attend, it’s because they relished the camaraderie and sense of purpose of past Tzu Chi activities.
Emilia Co Tan may have retired from her job as a music teacher at Chiang Kai Shek College, but she continues to teach the universal values of Dharma Master Cheng Yen to youngsters in her community of Amoranto, Quezon City. A Tzu Chi volunteer since 2000, she was one of the pioneers of Jing Si Time for Kids, a program that imparted the lessons of Master Cheng Yen to boys and girls.
Tan, who attended Golden Age Academy with her husband, retired businessman Francisco, is thankful to Tzu Chi for putting up a program for seniors. “They make it so interesting and very nice to share,” she says, to which her husband adds, “It feels nice to have someone whom we don’t know volunteer to make this program for old people.”
In her active years as a Tzu Chi volunteer, Juanita Yap always looked forward to attending the Tzu Chi ladies club named “Da Ai Mama” in 2008. “I enjoyed it very much, being with friends,” she says. Now, Golden Age Academy is a chance to do that again. Besides meeting up with volunteers she hasn’t seen in a while, the program is one way “to keep you young and able to move around by yourself. We are so lucky that Tzu Chi organized this kind of activities. It’s very good for the seniors.”
With a program designed to keep seniors moving, thinking, and participating, one’s age is truly just a number. “We are not old,” reminds Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng. “The Golden Age Academy wants you to know that being old is just a state of mind.”
Succeeding gatherings will be on May 17, 24, 31, and June 7.
At the first Golden Age Academy meeting on May 10, seniors are welcomed by Tzu Chi volunteers.
At the first Golden Age Academy meeting on May 10, seniors are welcomed by Tzu Chi volunteers.
At the first Golden Age Academy meeting on May 10, seniors are welcomed by Tzu Chi volunteers.
Caregiving scholars from Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational program receive final instructions before the start of the Golden Age Academy program.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez welcomes guests to the first of five Golden Age Academy sessions. “We are honored to have you here,” he said. “We hope that you will enjoy this activity.”
Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng reminded guests that “we are not old. The Golden Age Academy wants you to know that being old is just a state of mind.”
Tzu Chi volunteer Ligaya Ng encourages guests to introduce themselves in a lively ice breaker game.
Tzu Chi volunteer Frances Lim accompanied seniors on keyboard during the singing of “Do-Re-Mi.”
Tzu Chi volunteers and guests follow physical therapists in a seated and standing session of aerobics.
Tzu Chi volunteers and guests follow physical therapists in a seated and standing session of aerobics.
Professional physical therapists Annie Dixie Lim (left) and Ashley Pado lead seniors in a full-body workout of standing and seated aerobics.
Using fly swatters as racquets and a balloon as a ball, seniors engage in a spirited game of tennis.
Seniors take turns singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music.
A 90 years old senior traces patterns on a worksheet with a colored pen. The goal is to exercise the fine motor skills, or the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers.
As the Golden Age Academy’s first session was held before Tzu Chi’s 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day, volunteers led seniors in a short prayer of gratitude and personal wishes.
Volunteers line up to present seniors with flowers and an advanced Mother’s Day greeting.
Kids surprise their moms with flowers at the end of the program.
For Juanita Yap (first from right) seeing friends motivates her to attend Tzu Chi events. Involved in Tzu Chi activities in 2008, she was among the regulars of Da Ai Mama, a group composed of all ladies Tzu Chi volunteers.
“It feels nice to have someone whom we don’t know volunteer to make this program for old people,” says Francisco Ang Tan, the lone male participant of Golden Age Academy.
One of the pioneers of Jing Si Time for Kids, Emilia Co Tan continues to impart Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s lessons to youngsters in her community of Amoranto, Quezon City. A Tzu Chi volunteer since 2000, she is a retired music teacher at Chiang Kai Shek College.
Josephine So (standing, foreground) co-organized the Golden Age Academy with Tzu Chi volunteers.