How Ramakrishnan and Cleryce’s Unique Bond Bridges the Gap Between Generations
Five years ago, at the age of 70, Ramakrishnan S/O Nadarajan’s life changed forever. After suffering a stroke, his mobility was severely affected, and he was forced to leave his job. His health further declined when his diabetes worsened, eventually leading to the amputation of both of his legs after a 40-day hospital stay. Upon discharge, he was relocated to the Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore) Nursing Home near Yishun Central, where he found a new home.
It is here that I meet Ramakrishnan on a stormy afternoon. Despite the weather, his mood remains bright and welcoming. Though confined to a wheelchair, his presence exudes warmth, and his calm demeanor brings comfort to those around him. As we begin our conversation, I ask him about intergenerational friendships—a subject he knows well.
Ramakrishnan shares his thoughts with a smile, noting that young people often approach him with curiosity, asking about his journey to the nursing home, the loss of his legs, and whether he ever feels lonely or sad. He admits that, yes, there are moments of sadness, but he always reassures them: “Speaking with you makes me happy, so you need not feel sorry for me.”
These young visitors, whom he lovingly refers to as his “grandchildren,” are, in reality, student volunteers who visit him regularly. Their presence reminds him of his own young friends, and his easygoing nature makes me feel as though I’m part of his family.
Bridging the Generation Gap
Among his closest young friends is Cleryce Yim, a cheerful 12-year-old who embodies the youthful energy one would expect. She and Ramakrishnan met through the Intergenerational Bonding Programme, a collaboration between Girl Guides Singapore and Sree Narayana Mission. Cleryce, in her Brownies uniform, radiates a sense of calm that complements Ramakrishnan’s peaceful personality.
Ramakrishnan recalls their first meeting, where Cleryce made him feel at ease by greeting him with warmth. “She was the one who waved at me first,” he says. “We have a unique bond, and I always look forward to our conversations.”
For Cleryce, befriending Ramakrishnan has been a meaningful experience. She admits that interacting with older adults requires sensitivity, as their conversations differ from the playful banter she shares with her peers. However, she approaches these friendships with the same respect and kindness she shows to everyone, regardless of age. She recalls her visits to the nursing home, where she listens attentively to Ramakrishnan’s stories, even helping him with his wheelchair.
Valuable Lessons Across Generations
Cleryce’s father, Eric Yim, believes that the programme offers valuable life lessons, particularly in patience and empathy. Cleryce has been able to relate to older individuals from a young age, as her grandmother has been living with dementia, which has given her insight into the needs of elderly people. “I find it a blessing that she’s taking the initiative to engage with the elderly,” Eric says, emphasizing the importance of nurturing these relationships.
For Ramakrishnan, his young friends are his “windows to the outside world.” Through them, he has learned about modern technologies like YouTube and Zoom, which have allowed him to stay connected and even play games like Scrabble with them virtually.
“I’m happy to spend time with these young people,” Ramakrishnan reflects. “They care about getting to know us, and that warms my heart. They’re not just friends—they’re like family to me.”
A Lifelong Connection
The Intergenerational Bonding Programme has been instrumental in creating lasting connections between generations. This initiative recently earned the City of Good award for its significant contributions to fostering an inclusive and dementia-friendly society. More than 200 intergenerational events have been organized, bringing together residents and youth for meaningful interactions.
For Ramakrishnan, these visits are more than just a way to pass time—they offer him a sense of purpose and connection. “No matter where we are in life, staying engaged is essential,” he says. “Even in my wheelchair, I keep myself busy with activities like physiotherapy and games. But the most rewarding part is conversing with my friends.”
Despite the pandemic’s restrictions on face-to-face interactions, Ramakrishnan cherishes every moment spent with his young friends. “I always remind Cleryce that life is not just about results,” Eric adds. “It’s our character and the relationships we cultivate that truly matter.”
Age may often seem like a barrier to connection, but in the case of Ramakrishnan and Cleryce, their bond proves that friendship transcends generations. It’s a reminder that genuine connections, based on understanding, respect, and shared experiences, are what truly enrich our lives.
