February 27, 2023, 04:12 PM
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A cafe at the void deck of Block 52 Marine Parade is just slightly different from your average establishment.
Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung fondly recounted his experience when he visited it on Feb. 24.
Named "独一52" or Du Yi Wu Er (pinyin) after its location and a wordplay on the Chinese phrase for “unique”, the cafe is an initiative by Montfort Care Singapore.
During his visit, Ong was served gourmet coffee by a 73-year-old barista, whom he addressed as Uncle Mong Hong.
Image via Facebook/Ong Ye Kung
Image via Facebook/Ong Ye Kung
He noted that besides brewing coffee, seniors can also partake in other activities like cooking and preparing ingredients.
Image via Facebook/Montfort Care Singapore
Ong commended the initiative, noting that this should be "the future of ageing”.
Unconventional care model
The void deck café is part of the GoodLife! eldercare service and the GoodLife! Makan community kitchen launched in 2016 that aims to provide interaction opportunities for seniors who live alone.
The kitchen is the "nucleus" of the unconventionally-designed recreational centre, while the café is a recent addition, according to DP Architects.
Image via Facebook/Montfort Care Singapore
The space capitalises on the configuration of a void deck to create an open compound.
Image via DP Architects
Image via DP Architects
The space enables seniors living in the area to congregate and have conversations, as well as prepare, cook and share their meals with one another.
Image via Facebook/Montfort Care Singapore
Top images via DP Architects, Ong Ye Kung's Facebook page
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