Finding connections through rhythm

As the saying goes, music has the power to connect people all over the world, regardless of language, gender and age.

Beating to their own unique rhythm, the group of 12, Lions Befrienders Rhythm for Wellness (AAC @Tampines 494E), formed through group drumming sessions in the centre.

Meet the Lions Befrienders Rhythm for Wellness (AAC @Tampines 494E) that completed the Group Drumming with Senior Sessions.

As Singapore faces a growing ageing population, keeping our seniors healthy is a priority. Beyond physical health, seniors who enter their golden years after retirement also need outlets to stay mentally, emotionally and socially engaged as well as healthy.

Dr Syed Ibrahim, a community artist and educator, is the man behind the group drumming sessions, a programme he developed to engage elders with the use of music. It follows a Flexible Pedagogical Approach (FPA) that allows participants to learn hand-drumming at their own pace.

The approach means sessions are conducted according to each participant’s learning style. Participants are then able to self-evaluate their cognitive abilities and make steady progress in their motor skills in a safe space.

The programme was implemented across eight Lions Befrienders Centres located in both the eastern and western regions.

For the Lions Befrienders Rhythm for Wellness (AAC @Tampines 494E), Dr Syed conducted 64 drumming sessions over 7 months. As the seniors progressed in their skills and camaraderie, the group also took to the stage to perform for various audience groups in the community.

The programme was supported by Tote Board.

It’s never too late to live out the golden years 

Ramli Selamat was one of those who found himself greatly benefiting from the group drumming classes. While the 73-year-old initially had no experience with music or playing any instruments, he saw this class as an opportunity to get his groove on.

Through the encouragement of his family, he signed up for the classes after knowing about it through a group chat. Drumming has helped him appreciate music even more. “I used to love singing along, but now I listen [to music] to learn the beats and not the melody of the songs I like,” he added.

Ramli (left) pictured playing the drums. Even though he learnt how to play a variety of percussions through the sessions, the bass drum is still his favourite instrument to play.

Grasping the basics of rhythm and percussion instruments from Dr Syed, Ramli also shared that he felt his own physical and mental health make an improvement after attending the sessions.

For him, playing the drums for an hour daily “helps keep his mind off other things” as he feels the joy and happiness from learning new things.

Echoing similar sentiments was Christina Lu, who also signed up for drumming sessions as she wanted to try something new.

After spending months together as a group, the 65-year-old shared that drumming helped her meet new friends, like Ramli, in the process. Even as the training sessions have long ended, the group still keeps in contact via a WhatsApp group chat and regularly meet up to jam together.

Aside from building a sense of community, both seniors shared that they felt their motor skills were also consistently improving as they focused on learning the different types of percussion instruments each week. Christina shared, “Drumming helps improve my focus and coordination.” 

Christina (left) and Ashley (right). Sessions like this help to bridge a generational gap between the two, with Ashley recalling how much fun she had with the seniors as they pick up a new hobby together.

The improvement was also noted by Lions Befrienders staff facilitators like Ashley Tan who has participated in multiple Group Drumming with Seniors sessions in centres around Singapore.

She recalled helping a participant who was struggling with dementia and watched them develop more confidence when they were picked by the instructor to help translate certain phrases into Mandarin.

In fact, the facilitators try to include the seniors in any way they can, and the simple act of finishing a task can help participants grow in their self-esteem through such sessions. She adds, “No matter what background they come from, the seniors are always welcome to join in.

Strengthening community care

In January 2025, Tote Board launched Better Everyday by Tote Board, a new sub-brand for our grantmaking work. It represents our vision for a vibrant, inclusive Singapore where no one is left behind. Through this initiative, we empower individuals and communities to create lasting change—both big and small—to make Singapore better for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

These group drumming sessions exemplify Better Everyday in action, promoting active ageing among our growing elderly population.