All resourcesLee Bee Har (Shireen)
Lee Bee Har (Shireen)
| After retiring, Lee Bee Har (Shireen) decided to return to part-time work in the education field, motivated by her commitment to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. With nearly 40 years of experience in education, Shireen aimed to engage fruitfully and purposefully, fulfilling her emotional and social needs. "When I go out to work or participate in activities, I am encouraged to leave my house," Shireen shared. "I exercise my body and legs when I walk to the bus stops or MRT stations to get to my destinations. Interacting with my colleagues and other volunteers challenges me cognitively and mentally. I feel passionately energized when teaching, sharing, and coaching others and my students." Shireen's story is a testament to the benefits of staying active and engaged, demonstrating how purposeful work can enhance both physical and mental well-being. |
| ENGAGING & VOLUNTEERING WITH U LIVE AND OTHER PROJECTS |
| In 2015, Shireen began volunteering with U Live as a Mangrove Swamp Park ambassador, relishing the opportunity to educate others. She has continued to contribute her services to events and activities organized for NTUC members, where her active participation has allowed her to meet and connect with fellow members and volunteers. Additionally, Shireen volunteers as a befriender for the Silver Vitality Lever program, dedicated to serving the community by working with seniors. In this role, she assists seniors in adopting new technology for monitoring their vital readings, provides nutrition and dietary advice, and educates them on how to lead healthier lifestyles. Shireen’s volunteer work highlights her commitment to giving back to the community, fostering connections, and promoting wellness among seniors. Her story exemplifies the positive impact of volunteerism on both individuals and the community. |
| HEAR FROM SHIREEN |
“I spend time looking after, playing with, and teaching my granddaughters on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For relatives and close friends, we arrange to visit each other’s houses, meet for meals, or celebrate special occasions together. I attend church every Sunday morning and meet up with my church cell members on the third Sunday of each month. Sometimes, after cell meetings, we also go out for meals or fellowship together,” Shireen shared.
As Shireen grows older, she finds that play is essential for injecting fun into her life. “Play is a useful platform where I can easily click and log in to see the various events and activities organized for us. I will sign up easily if the activities and programs are interesting and beneficial. This is another avenue for me to meet new friends and keep myself actively and purposefully engaged, thus fulfilling my social and emotional needs,” she explained.
When asked for advice on enhancing well-being and satisfaction in life, Shireen offered the following tips:
- Take time to think seriously and ask yourself what you truly enjoy and want to do during your free time or after retirement.
- Write down your thoughts and share them with family members or close friends to help monitor your progress and actions.
- Get loved ones or close friends to join you in the goals or undertakings you decide to embark on.
- Start with something small, interesting, and easy to manage so that you won’t give up easily.
- Set a timeline to check, reflect, and assess your well-being and satisfaction to evaluate whether to continue with your plans.
Shireen’s balanced approach to life, combining work, volunteerism, and family time, serves as an inspiring example for others seeking fulfillment and well-being.