GEORGE TOWN: Love exists between friends, bringing them closer than any brotherly or sisterly bond ever can.
And for elderly folk sharing a home for senior citizens, that bond can be stronger than anything a Valentine’s Day can bring.
Yesterday was both Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year celebrations at the Penang Buddhist Association’s senior citizens home, a special occasion for friends Ang Char Boh, 82, and Goh Swee Phaik, 80.
Goh first moved into the home a year ago after staying with her brother previously.
“This place was foreign to me and I was scared but meeting Ang made it feel like home,” she said.
“I do go out and meet my brother but it is nice to sit and have meals with my friends here.”
Ang, a retired babysitter, who has been a resident for seven years said: “As we age, we see friends die. We are all ageing.”
She said when she gets up, she usually looks for Goh to have breakfast together.
“We have made plans for Chinese New Year,” she said.
During yesterday’s celebration, they tucked into several different foods, including a large array of vegetarian delights.
“We love being at this home and have four meals provided. But as they are vegetarian dishes, we reserve our outings for special non-vegetarian meals,” said Goh.
Home supervisor Goon Kuang Ok said there are 38 residents in the home aged between 60 and 92.
“They are usually single or widowed or have no children. We take care of all their needs,” he said.
