# 90-Year-Old Singaporean Finalist Combats Elderly Loneliness Ratnam Periowsamy dedicates her golden years to fostering community connections in Toa Payoh. - **Source:** [The Straits Times – Singapore](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/de3ceaed-1fc7-4c13-8452-57dea4517f3d ## Dedicated Community Outreach At 90 years old, Ratnam Periowsamy actively combats loneliness among the elderly in Toa Payoh. Each evening, she walks through her neighborhood to visit seniors living alone, offering companionship and support. As a volunteer for Care Corner Singapore, she persists even when initially turned away, believing patience is essential for connection. ## Project Neighbour Network Role Ratnam serves as a ranger in the Project Neighbour Network, an initiative training seniors to support vulnerable neighbors. She pairs with other volunteers to invite residents to activities at the Active Ageing Centre. Her approach emphasizes persistence, often visiting individuals multiple times until they feel comfortable enough to engage in conversation. ## Roots of Altruism Born in 1936 in Tamil Nadu, India, Ratnam moved to Singapore as an infant. Her childhood in a close-knit kampung environment shaped her belief in open, communal living. She credits this upbringing for her lifelong commitment to volunteering, which began with missionary stints and animal welfare work during her youth. ## Modern Loneliness Crisis Ratnam observes that many seniors today suffer from isolation because they live in what she describes as concrete cages. She notes that modern families are often preoccupied with digital devices, leaving the elderly feeling neglected. Her mission is to revive the communal kampung spirit to bridge these widening social gaps. ## Professional and Personal History Beyond her current volunteer work, Ratnam has a long history of service, including teaching childcare for a decade and providing free tuition to underprivileged children. Even after a hip fracture in November 2023, she maintains an active lifestyle, participating in seated zumba and line dancing to stay physically and mentally engaged. ## Mentoring Future Volunteers Mustazah Abdul Hamid, a fellow volunteer who joined in 2023, credits Ratnam for teaching him how to observe living conditions and show genuine care from outside the home. Her mentorship helps newer volunteers understand the nuances of approaching elderly residents, ensuring that their outreach efforts are both respectful and highly effective. ## Singaporean of the Year Finalist Ratnam is a finalist for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award, presented by UBS Singapore. This recognition honors citizens who go beyond the call of duty to improve community life. The award, now in its 12th year, highlights individuals who demonstrate selfless service and significant, positive social impact. ## Commitment to Meaningful Living Despite her age and physical challenges, Ratnam remains steadfast in her mission to help others. She views her volunteer work as a vital part of her identity, stating she wants to continue until the end of her life. Her dedication serves as a powerful model for active, purposeful aging in Singapore. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporean-of-the-year-finalist-at-90-she-still-knocks-on-doors-to-draw-out-lonely-elderly — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._