Meet MWS’ Ageless Orchestra: A Novel Pilot Bridging Young and Old Through Music

On a sunny afternoon on 8 March 2025, the familiar tune of Take Me Home, Country Roads floated through the space at NUS Open House – accompanied by the sounds of handbells, shakers, and a guitar. 

At first glance, it may have seemed like a typical public performance. But a closer look revealed something special: seniors and students performing side by side in MWS’ first Ageless Orchestra. With participants ranging in age from 22 to 85, this intergenerational ensemble proved that music truly transcends age. 

A collaborative effort between MWS’ Research, Innovation and Training Academy (RITA), seniors from MWS Active Ageing Centre – Teck Ghee Vista, and students from NUS’ College of Alice & Peter Tan, the Ageless Orchestra was designed to foster a sense of intergenerational reciprocity between seniors and youth – a mutual exchange of support, care, and shared responsibility between different generations. 

Over five sessions, participants connected through planning, personal sharing, and musical rehearsals. Their shared journey culminated in a heartwarming performance at the NUS Open House 2025.

The project was sparked by concerns over a growing generational divide in ageing Singapore. It aimed to bridge this gap through shared experiences that promote empathy and connection. The two-way exchange saw the students offering companionship and social engagement, while the seniors shared their life stories and wisdom. 

One student was surprised by how naturally conversations flowed, while others found connection in working toward a shared goal. For the seniors, the experience was empowering – they picked up new skills, from learning to play an instrument to performing publicly. One student reflected, “It was about creating a nurturing environment where mistakes weren’t judged. We kept reminding the seniors that the performance wasn’t the main goal – it was about enjoying the process.”

 Intergenerational programmes like Ageless Orchestra help nurture among the students a spirit of giving – instilling values of service that shape them into future changemakers while building meaningful bonds across generations. These connections foster mutual respect and understanding that makes for a stronger, more compassionate society.