Ah Boy's chance to chill at the Big Walk
After wrapping up filming for documentary, actor Joshua Tan is looking forward to Big Walk
He shot to fame in his debut movie, Ah Boys To Men, in 2012.
Since then, Joshua Tan has appeared on the big and small screen multiple times. Throughout his projects, the actor thought of them as learning experiences.
Tan, 26, recently completed filming for the documentary Challenge Tomorrow: Adapting To An Ageing Society, with Channel NewsAsia.
The documentary focuses on ageing and dementia in Singapore, and it allowed him - as the show's host - to visit countries such as Japan, Australia and the United States.
In an interview with The New Paper on Sunday, Tan says: "This was definitely an interesting project. When I visited those places, seeing the elderly was meaningful.
"But the things I saw also made me realise that it's what my parents, who are both 61, will go through in a few years' time."
He adds: "It got me thinking about how to take care of them, so I started planning ahead for them for things such as housing insurance."
Tan also noted the ways the elderly are treated in the Western and Asian regions. He says there are differences, as Westerners place more emphasis on human interaction.
"I found the whole thing scary, as I can see how slowly people age, and the changes they go through," he says.
"Even though it's sad, it's liberating at the same time. When people hit their 60s, they think of it as a second life, where they can re-pursue the dreams and passions that they didn't chase when they were younger.
"Right now, I'm at the transition stage of moving onto being a full-blown adult, so I really grew from those experiences."
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Tan is looking forward to The New Paper Courts Big Walk on Nov 26, where he will finally get to relax.
"I don't get many chances to do normal stuff, so it's nice to chill after so long. It's also fun to do a lot of walking, and to get involved in a social community gathering," he says.
"It's been about five years since I last went to the zoo, so it will definitely bring back fond memories. I grew out of the phase where I was excited to head to the zoo, but now I really want to go back.
"I can't wait to watch the animal performances and feeding times. Cute and fluffy animals are my favourite, but I adore horses as well, as they embody strength and freedom."
Tan also recently acted in a film, 4Love, which is about the four stages of love, starting with puppy love. It is slated for release on Dec 1.
His role, which at the fourth stage tackles the issue of divorce, pushed him out of his comfort zone.
He says: "Divorce is such a scary topic to think about, as we wonder what's the real meaning of marriage. But sadly, it's so common for married couples to go through this."
His cited his parents as one of the sources of inspiration for his love life.
Tan says: "My parents are polar opposites of each other. My father is very chill, while my mother is adventurous.
"They may be different, but they make things work. That's the kind of solidarity I wish to have in a relationship."
Is there anyone special in his life?
He laughs, then says: "I've dated for a while, but I hope to find someone special soon, hopefully someone with the same interests as me."
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