At 85, Richard Ong is more than just SASCO@Compassvale’s oldest volunteer—he’s an inspiration. From supporting fellow seniors with daily challenges to sharing smiles and stories, Richard’s boundless energy and compassion prove that age is no limit to living life to the fullest.
Meet Richard Ong, SASCO@Compassvale’s oldest volunteer at age 85. Though quiet and humble, he embodies wisdom, kindness, and an impressive zest for life. His nearly 90 years haven’t slowed him down a bit —he walks, jogs, and even plays sports with the vigour of someone half his age. For Richard, staying active has always been a priority, and his physical condition speaks for itself.
Richard has been playing golf for most of his life. Suprisingly, he revealed that he was the Singapore National Amateur Champion in 1996. With an impressive golf handicap index of 8.0, Richard continues to amaze his friends and strangers alike when they learn about his achievements at 85.
“I play at Sembawang Country Club once a week. Walking is good exercise for me…I don’t like to use the buggy!”
While he enjoys golf as a leisure activity, Richard worked hard in his earlier years to support himself and his family. He spent years as a factory manager producing commercial products before retiring in 2003. Since then, he has widened his social circle and embracing his fulfilling life.
“I have lots of friends. Since young, I planned my life and learnt to do things my own way. I exposed myself to many people from different walks of life. That’s why the people around here all know me.”
Richard’s day starts at 9am, when he checks his messages and emails to see if any seniors need assistance. As a Concierge Officer, he assists seniors in Compassvale and Hougang with plumbing and electrical issues. From leaky taps to clogged toilets, Richard has the remedies to fix their problems.
“If it’s a simple job, such as changing their lightbulbs, I can do it. If it is a big problem, we will call in a contractor to assist. At the end of the day, if the problem is fixed and the seniors are happy, I’m happy.”
His day ends at around 3pm, when he takes a breather, enjoys an afternoon coffee break, and chats with other staff at SASCO@Compassvale. Occasionally, he heads out to visit seniors who are unable to attend the Active Ageing Centre’s activities.
“These seniors I visit have mobility issues and are too frail to walk to our Active Ageing Centre in Compassvale, so I pay them a visit instead,” he explained.
If you are a Compassvale-Hougang resident, you might be lucky enough to spot Richard walking the grounds, visiting seniors who rarely leave their homes. He exudes a warm smile and genuine kindness, making the seniors feel at ease —a unique gift of his indeed.
