How Nancy Reclaimed Her Health with HOA: A Journey of Hope, Movement and Purpose

Nancy is a participant and volunteer facilitator at HOA.

Nancy has been a familiar face at O’Joy’s Health-Oriented Ageing (HOA) programme for over 10 years. More than just a regular participant, she wears many hats — from setting up chairs and snapping photos at events, to sharing programme details with fellow seniors. For Nancy, staying active isn’t just about personal well-being — it’s about giving back to the community and learning how to serve others.

But her life wasn’t always this bright.

Years ago, Nancy’s world was shaken by a series of medical diagnoses: thyroid issues, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations. On top of that, she had to support her family members through their own health crises. The weight of these worries left her feeling lost and overwhelmed.

Yet, deep down, she believed she still had options. Rather than resign herself to fear and medication alone, Nancy began making small but determined changes. She committed to daily workouts, switched to a healthier diet, and stayed mentally strong through positive thinking and regular social interaction.

“My worries began to evaporate,” she shared. “I stared in disbelief when I saw my health improve. I used to take thyroid medication daily — now, I only need half a tablet every other day. I no longer need pills for heart palpitations, and my blood pressure is under control.”

What made the difference? According to Nancy, the answer lies in the HOA programmes.

She credits activities like LALA exercise, Movement & Dance, Singing, and Angklung as key factors in her recovery. LALA exercise, for instance, focuses on gentle movements for different body parts — enhancing flexibility, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress. The warm-up, conditioning, and cool-down phases each serve a specific purpose in caring for the body.

“Movement & Dance is full of energetic body movements, paired with lively music,” Nancy said. “It lifts your mood, keeps you moving, and helps you connect with others. Singing and playing the Angklung bring the same joy. Music uplifts me — and I even learn to read Chinese characters through han yu pin yin since I’m English-educated!”

For Nancy, the magic lies not in a quick fix, but in consistency and action.

“I’ve been taking massive action,” she said proudly. “When I saw my health improve, it motivated me even more. People often ask how I juggle everything — attending sessions, volunteering, caring for my family. For me, it’s all about time management and setting clear priorities.”

Her message to others is clear: show up, move your body, connect with others. These simple acts can make a world of difference, especially in preventing loneliness and dementia.

“Where attention goes, results show. With purpose, determination, and action — you can turn a minus into a plus.”