As we commemorate the International Day of the Older Persons on 1 October, we share the story of Mr A. Arumugam S/O Murugam Alagan. Fortunately, a kind-hearted family cared for him. Now aged 79, Mr Arumugam, a bachelor and a retiree, contends with abnormal heart rhythms, diabetes, and hearing impairment. Mr Arumugam and his kindhearted friend, Mr Renga, sought assistance from a social service centre, which referred Mr Arumugam to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) ElderAid programme. Since enrolling in SRC's ElderAid programme in March 2018, Mr Arumugam has found comfort and positivity through the ElderAid volunteers' regular visits. His inspiring story depicts resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of establishing ties that bind. 

Mr A. Arumugam S/O Murugam Alagan's life has been fraught with tribulations from day one. From an early age, he experienced the heart-wrenching pain of losing his parents.

A kind-hearted family comprising nine children and two foster parents took him in when he was 10 or 11 and showered him with the love and care he desperately needed. They embraced Mr Arumugam as part of their family. Mr Arumugam also regarded the couple who cared for him as his parents, and he saw the children as his ‘cousins’, one of whom was Mr Renga. Mr Arumugam completed his primary school education. However, he did not continue with his secondary school education, curtailed by the financial constraints of Mr Renga's family. 

Fortunately, through Mr Renga's support, Mr Arumugam secured the position of a messenger in a well-reputed bank in Singapore, where he worked for 35 years. 

Grappling with Depression Since Relatives Swindled Him of His Hard Earned Money

After toiling for 35 years amid blood, sweat and tears, Mr Arumugam's aspirations of enjoying his retirement and the fruits of his labour were shattered when some scheming relatives swindled him of his hard-earned Central Provident Fund savings in 2002. Left with nothing, Mr Arumugam berated himself for his naivety and battled with depression as a result. He climbed out of depression, thanks to the unwavering support of Mr Renga's family. The love, care, and support of Mr Renga's family gave Mr Arumugam hope, enabling him to overcome the adversities in life with resilience, tenacity, and courage.

Grappling with Health Issues

In addition to his financial woes, Mr Arumugam, 79, grapples with numerous medical conditions as he ages, which take a toll on his ability to live independently. He grapples with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), diabetes, kidney problems, breathing problems, hearing impairment, and digestive issues. Mr Arumugam underwent surgery to insert a pacemaker in 2022. Plagued by digestive problems, he is on a diet of cereal and soft food. His hearing impairment made communication an uphill struggle and hampered his ability to navigate through daily life. His swollen legs and feet hampered his ability to stand for protracted periods. In 2023, he sustained a fall. Though Mr Arumugam lived with the elderly Mr Renga and Mr Renga's late wife, Mr Arumugam was concerned about collapsing alone at home when Mr Renga was at work, and not receiving timely assistance. 

Gratitude for the Companionship

Fortunately, there was light at the end of the tunnel. To ensure his physical well-being, Mr Arumugam and Mr Renga sought assistance from a social service centre, which referred Mr Arumugam to the Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) ElderAid programme. SRC's ElderAid volunteers visited Mr Arumugam's home for an assessment. That visit marked a turning point in his life. 

Since enrolling in SRC's ElderAid programme in March 2018, ElderAid volunteers have visited Mr Arumugam's home fortnightly, engaged him in activities, and gone the extra mile to assist him. 

Through the compassionate care, comfort, and companionship of dedicated SRC's ElderAid volunteers and Mr Renga's unwavering support, Mr Arumugam has found the hope, strength and confidence to face each day positively. 

"When the dedicated volunteers visit me at home or interact with me, they bring me much joy, comfort and companionship. I have learnt to embrace each day with gratitude. They have shown me that I am not alone on my journey. We can call our ElderAid volunteers whenever we need assistance or counselling. They called an ambulance for me occasionally. I appreciate the SRC volunteers' contributions. Thank you," said Mr Arumugam, with Mr Renga's assistance. Mr Renga facilitated the interview as Mr Arumugam is hard of hearing. 

Mr Arumugam’s inspiring story exemplifies the power of compassion and kindness in bringing hope to people whose lives were mired in darkness. Despite the hurdles, Mr Arumugam has people who have positively impacted his life. The ElderAid volunteers' precious gift of friendship and the steadfast support of Mr Renga's family have provided him with much comfort, positivity, and strength, to triumph over adversity with fortitude, and an indomitable spirit.  

“My story is not one of despair but rather a poignant tale of resilience and human connection,” said Mr Arumugam.

"I hope that Mr Arumugam's voice and story can be accurately shared to inspire others," said Mr Renga. 

By Maricel V. Angeles, Volunteer Writer
Copyedited by Kyung Min, Volunteer, and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications