25 September 2014 – Seniors can look forward to a suite of exciting and engaging activities and workshops when “Time of Your Life – Learning Journeys for the 50plus” is launched on 1 October. The initiative is jointly organised by the National Library Board (NLB) and the Council for Third Age (C3A) to encourage lifelong learning and an active lifestyle among Singapore’s ageing population. The festivities will be kicked off by Health Minister, Mr Gan Kim Yong, at The Plaza, the National Library Building.
“Time of Your Life – Learning Journeys for the 50plus” offers seniors aged 50 and above a month-long festival with more than 35 talks and workshops which will be held at various public and regional libraries. A series of talks and programmes will also be conducted in the four languages on topics including dementia, diabetes, stroke, investment, caring for the elderly. Grandparents can learn a new skill and bond with their grandchildren at workshops such as “Grandparent-Grandchild Handicraft Workshop”, “Printmaking: The Art of Block Printing, Indian Oil Lamp” and “Silver Photography and Make Jewellery From Your T-shirt”.
NLB’s CEO, Mrs Elaine Ng, said: “Reading is a great way to get information and to keep the mind flexible. We are delighted to offer programmes for our seniors that provide them with relevant information to live a more active and rewarding life.”
Members of the public can visit an exhibition, “Curious Minds, Vibrant Lives”, at various public libraries from October 2014 to March 2015. This 6-month roving exhibition, launched at the opening ceremony, highlights the strong connection between active ageing and keeping one’s mind sharp in the golden years. It will be available at Tampines Regional, Jurong Regional, Ang Mo Kio, Bedok and Jurong West libraries and library@chinatown.
Following the opening ceremony, there will be two screenings of a Taiwanese movie, “Go Grandriders”. This is a documentary based on the inspirational true story of a group of 17 seniors, with an average age of 81 years, who embarked on a 13-day motorcycle tour round Taiwan. This is intended to inspire seniors to learn, discover or pursue their dreams.
Seniors - We are loving it
200 senior graduates will receive their certificates for C3A’s initiative “I’m Senior & I’m Loving It”. Active learners can also look forward to booths showcasing programmes and courses.
Said C3A’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Soh Swee Ping: “Learning can be very rewarding, seniors can make new friends, discover something new and sharpen their minds. This festival allows seniors many enrichment opportunities for them to age well and live actively. 50 is the new 30 and it is the prime in our lives!”
Seniors can register for free talks and workshops via NLB’s GoLibrary website or at eKiosks at the Public Libraries.