Programmes
toylc programmes

About Time of Your Life Celebration

Held in conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons (1 October), the Time of Your Life Celebration is an annual event that takes place throughout October. From 1–31 October, head down to our libraries for a variety of talks, workshops, performances and showcases that nurture a passion for lifelong learning and celebrate the joys of growing older. For more information, visit go.gov.sg/toylc25.

A selection of programmes has been specially curated for you below. For a full list of programmes for seniors at NLB, visit go.gov.sg/toyl.


future of ageing

Event Details

  • 1 Oct 2025, 130pm - 330pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 1
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    *Please note that one registration entitles you to attend all four sharings.

    Join us for an engaging series of short sharings that explore key issues shaping the future of ageing in Singapore.

    Reimagining Ageing with Technology and Innovation

    Speaker: Dr Kelvin Tan, Head, Minor in Applied Ageing Studies programme, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS

    Uncover how overseas and local companies strive to improve the quality of life of older persons and learn about innovations that will allow ageing well in the community.

    Social Prescribing through Digital Applications in Promoting Healthy Living among Older Adults

    Speaker: Chan Hoi Chuen, Recipient of The Vincent & Rosemary Khoo Applied Gerontology Research Award

    Discover how gamification and incentive-based strategies in digital applications motivate older adults to adopt healthier lifestyles.

    Factors Affecting the Health and Well-being of Seniors Post-retirement

    Speaker: Daniel Lim, Recipient of The Vincent & Rosemary Khoo Applied Gerontology Research Award

    Better understand the factors affecting the health and well-being of seniors before and after retirement, along with the strategies that can be employed to maintain their overall wellness.

    The Future of Ageing: Revolutionising Eldercare in Singapore, 2010 - 2050

    Speaker: Associate Professor Wee Shiou Liang, Gerontology Programmes, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS

    Find out how combining government leadership, private innovation, and community engagement can create opportunities for seamless care transitions, precision medicine, and person-centred care approaches as Singapore’s population ages rapidly.



    diverse aspects of ageing

    Event Details

  • 1 Oct 2025, 130pm - 330pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 2
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    *Please note that one registration entitles you to attend all four sharings.

    Join us for an engaging series of short sharings that explore key issues shaping the future of ageing in Singapore.

    Exploring Cultural Heritage in Reminiscence Interventions

    Speaker: Shanice Loke, Recipient of The Vincent & Rosemary Khoo Applied Gerontology Research Award

    Find out how Singapore’s cultural heritage can be used to better engage older adults in reminiscence sessions.

    Hope for Tomorrow: Navigating Illness and Ageing

    Speaker: Associate Professor Helen Ko, Gerontology, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS

    Integrating her personal experience as a cancer survivor and professional training as a gerontologist and counsellor, hear from Dr Helen Ko as she discusses how we can navigate our personal health and other challenges more effectively.

    Reminiscence in Dementia Care

    Speaker: Dr Yu Chou Chuen, Gerontology Programmes, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS

    Learn more about the benefits of using reminiscence when caring for those living with dementia.

    The Promise and Pitfalls of Longer Working Lives

    Speaker: Radha Khanna, Recipient of The Vincent & Rosemary Khoo Applied Gerontology Research Award

    In Singapore, older adults are encouraged to continue working if they can. But has this produced good outcomes for individuals and the nation? This talk will explore practical solutions to building a more age-inclusive workforce in Singapore.



    make your own body scrub

    Event Details

  • 4 Oct 2025, 11am - 1230pm
  • Tampines Library, Programme Zone 2
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Refresh your skincare routine with an eco-friendly homemade body scrub.

    Create your own simple exfoliating body scrub using food ingredients you can find in your kitchen and upcycled plastic containers!

    While all materials will be provided, participants are also strongly encouraged to bring the following for the session:

  • 100-200ml container (eg. small jars that have previously been used to store cosmetics)


  • makeit leafy bookmark phone stand

    Event Details

  • 4 Oct 2025, 12pm - 6pm
  • MakeIT @ Tampines Library (Level 4)
  • Find out more: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/whats-on/event-detail?event-id=175801314149
  • About the Programme

    *Please note that this is a short activity that will take about 30-40 minutes to complete. No registration is required but slots are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

    Come join us at MakeIT for these special activities!

    1) Create a unique leafy bookmark with the ScanNCut machine so you'll never forget where you've left off on your current read. Learn how to craft simple bookmarks with a digital cutter, assemble various decorative elements, and bring your bookmark to life!

    2) Create your own phone stand using the power of 3D pens. Learn how to operate a 3D pen safely and piece together different parts to construct a handy phone stand!



    vr cinema

    Event Details

  • 5 Oct 2025, 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
  • Tampines Library, Terrace on 4 (outside MakeIT)
  • Find out more: 11am - 1pm session and 2pm - 4pm session
  • About the Programme

    *Please note this is a short activity that takes about 15 minutes in total to complete. No registration needed.

    Step into the screen with Virtual Reality (VR) short films that bring Singapore's heritage and nature to life. Produced by students and graduates from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, these VR films are designed to spark conversation, reminiscence, and meaningful connections between seniors and their loved ones.

    Tracks of Time: Bukit Timah Railway Station

    Travel back to the golden days of train journeys as you explore the historic Bukit Timah Railway Station in vivid VR 360°. From the truss bridge to the ticket booth, relive memories of bustling travel and rediscover how the tracks continue to connect our stories across generations.

    Dover Forest: Last Journey to the East (2nd place winner in the MY HERO International Film Festival 2024)

    Wander through the disappearing wilderness of Dover Forest with a community guide in this award-winning VR documentary film. Uncover rare birds, glowing mushrooms, and hidden streams. Reflect on Singapore’s green heritage and the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

    Don't miss out on this unique and immersive storytelling experience!



    digital health navigator

     

    Event Details

  • 6 Oct 2025, 3pm - 5pm
  • Bishan Public Library,Programme Zone
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Singapore's digital health landscape with confidence in this interactive session. Learn to harness official health apps to enhance your wellness journey while developing essential fact-checking skills.

    In this hands-on session, you'll discover:

  • How to maximise Healthy365 features for activity tracking and reward earning
  • Tips for using HealthHub to access health records, book medical appointments, and find trusted health
  • Practical techniques to identify reliable health information and spot misleading content online
  • Essential digital skills for managing your health journey in the digital age
  • Through guided practice and group activities, you'll gain hands-on experience with these apps and develop confidence in distinguishing credible health information. Perfect for anyone looking to take charge of their health using amazing digital tools.

    About the Speaker

    Etienne Ding is an exercise physiologist with more than a decade of clinical practice and experience in the private and public sectors, having practised in organisations like Apple and the Ministry of Defence. Currently, as an exercise physiologist at AMP Lab, he tailors and prescribes exercise programmes to fit his clients’ specific health needs. Other than serving individual needs, he also provides consultancy services to organisations to create evidence-based health interventions for health and fitness. He strongly believes in the power of health education to promote preventive health and conservative treatment as a mainstay of healthcare.



    try it all

    Event Details

  • 9 Oct 2025, 2pm - 6pm
  • Central Library, Programme Rooms 1, 2 and 3, and Immersive Room
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    If you enjoy learning and doing new things, whether they be conventional handicrafts, digital recreation, or anything in between, you won’t want to miss this special programme!

    Come join us as we bring you a buffet of different activities, designed as short tasters so you get to try your hand at everything:

  • Learn the basics of crochet
  • Get a taste of e-sports and digital gaming
  • Pick up simple tai chi movements
  • Explore sewing and its fundamental stitches
  • Craft a unique item using 3D pens
  • Don’t miss our special fashion showcase featuring beautiful handmade pieces created by some of our talented LearnX Community members too!

    Programme Schedule

    2pm – 3pm: Taster activities

    3pm – 3.15pm: Fashion showcase (all taster activities will take a break)

    3.30pm – 6pm: Taster activities resume

    No prior experience with any of the activities is needed to participate. In fact, this programme is pitched for adventurous first timers! There’s something for everyone, so just come with your curiosity, be ready to make new friends, and have fun!

    Sign up to secure your slot today!

    Please note the following: Registration is required and you may attend anytime between 2pm – 6pm, but completion of all activities could take about 1 hour 30 minutes in total. As such, we recommend that you arrive no later than 4.30pm if you wish to try out all the activities.



    understanding dementia through music movement and sharing

    Event Details

  • 10 Oct 2025, 1030am - 1230pm
  • National Library Building, Possibility Room, Level 5
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Join us for an uplifting tea dance and sharing session facilitated by Alison Lim, Founder of Dementia & Co., a passionate advocate for persons living with dementia (PWDs) and their care partners.

    Discver how music, dance, and social connection can help us all learn and grow together. You will get to:

  • Enjoy live tunes and a guided tea dance session designed to get your body moving and your heart smiling
  • Hear heartfelt sharings from PWDs and their care partners about living with joy, dignity, and purpose
  • Engage in open dialogues that help demystify dementia and break down stigma surrounding it
  • No experience is needed - just bring your open heart, dancing feet, and curiosity!



    AI art generation

    Event Details

  • 10 Oct 2025, 10.30am - 12.30pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 1
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Unleash your creativity and explore emotional well-being through the fusion of technology and art. In this 2-hour interactive workshop, you will learn to use AI-powered art tools to create personalised digital artworks as a form of creative therapy and self-expression. No artistic background or prior technical skills are required — just an open mind.

    Through this session, you will:

  • Discover how AI art generation tools like DALL·E and Dream by Wombo transform words into visual art
  • Learn to craft prompts that generate artwork reflecting your thoughts and emotions
  • Explore your creations and share insights in a supportive group setting (optional)
  • Experience how digital art can enhance relaxation, storytelling, and mental wellness
  • To ensure a smooth learning experience, please prepare the following:

  • A smartphone or tablet with a stable internet connection. If needed, set up your Wireless@SG account at home before the session.
    Refer to www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/wireless-at-sg/wireless-at-sg-for-consumers for a step-by-step guide.
  • Create either a Google account or a ChatGPT account prior to attending.
    Guide to create a Google account: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Google-Account
    Guide to create a ChatGPT account: https://www.codecademy.com/article/how-to-setup-a-chat-gpt-account
  • About the Speaker

    Mr Alvin Chan graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Electronics Engineering and holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. He is currently an Associate Lecturer with Republic Polytechnic’s School of Engineering. Having begun his career as an Aviation Engineer in aircraft maintenance and engineering, he has several years of Internet of Things (IoT) implementation experience. He teaches Industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, and 3D Scanning courses.

    Besides teaching, he serves as a volunteer judge at the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), National Robotics Competition (NRC), and Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC) to promote STEM education. These events are organised by the Science Centre Singapore, with support from partners like MOE, DSTA, A*STAR, and many more.



    tiny but mighty

    Event Details

  • 10 Oct 2025, 3pm - 4pm
  • library@harbourfront, Programme Room 2
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Learn why social robots are becoming increasingly popular, especially in super-ageing countries like Japan and Korea.

    Join us to discover LOVOT, an innovative social companion robot designed to provide emotional support and enhance mental well-being through physical interaction and emotional responsiveness. Be wowed by the meaningful human-robot connections that can be forged, not unlike pet companionship.

    Sign up today to experience how these robots can help reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for seniors through personalised interactions and emotional engagement.

    About the Speaker

    Dr Kelvin Tan is Head of Programme (Minor in Applied Ageing Studies), Senior Lecturer, and Researcher in Gerontology and Innovations at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. His current research focuses on bringing technology and innovations to seniors and their caregivers, as well as frontline workers in the eldercare sector. His recent works include jointly published articles discussing social robots for seniors with dementia in active ageing community locally and overseas.



    reminiscence

    Event Details

  • 11 Oct 2025, 9am - 12pm
  • Jurong Point, Kopitiam Food Hall (Level 3) OR SASCO@Khatib
  • Register on FormSG for the Jurong Point Session or the SASCO@Khatib Session
  • About the Programme

    Rediscover the joy of simple pleasures, connect across generations, and celebrate life through stories and art.

    In this programme, facilitators from Cycling without Age will take you on trishaw rides to familiar places and guide you in reminiscing using art. Through these unique activities, you will get to spark your memories and share your rich stories with one another.



    on stage today

    Event Details

  • 11 Oct 2025, 1pm - 8pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 2
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Hit the right notes with us at On Stage Today (OST) as we celebrate the songs and sounds that define chapters of our lives. From classics that you grew up with to latest hits today, OST showcases performances that capture the pulse and beats of different eras. Get ready to relive the moments and memories and celebrate the sounds that shaped you.

    The event is from 1pm to 8pm. Registration is encouraged but feel free to drop in anytime during the day!

    The line-up of performances are as follows:

    Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2025

    Venue: level B1 Programme Room 2, Central Library

  • 1pm - 2pm : Intune Music
  • 2.30pm - 3.30pm: Toa Payoh Guitar Club
  • 4pm - 5pm : Emmanuel Symphony Orchestra
  • 6pm - 7pm : yIN Harmony
  • Venue: Level 1 Lobby, National Library Building:

  • 7pm - 8pm : The Ukulele Ensemble Club
  • Check out the bios of the performing groups here! https://go.gov.sg/ost-group-bios



    empathetic virtual reality

    Event Details

  • 14 Oct 2025, 2pm - 5pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 1
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Join this innovative workshop to deepen your understanding of seniors who are living with dementia, limited mobility, or terminal illness, as well as their caregivers. Through immersive VR technology, you will explore various emotions and learn to have meaningful conversations with them in a safe environment.

    This session is open to caregivers and loved ones of those living with dementia, or anyone curious to discover how technology can be used to strengthen human connections and support vulnerable individuals.

    About Kampong Palliative Care (KPC)

    KPC is a community-driven initiative dedicated to strengthening psychosocial support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, their caregivers, and families. We believe in empowering every member of the "kampong" to create a compassionate and supportive environment during challenging times.



     caring with compassion

    Event Details

  • 14 Oct 2025, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
  • National Library Building, Imagination Room, Level 5
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Find out how you can support loved ones who may be going through a difficult time. This workshop will equip you with essential skills to better understand individuals who are facing terminal illnesses and their caregivers, and provide insight into how you can foster trust and connection with them. Learn practical techniques to communicate with compassion, listen actively, and offer empathetic care.

    Don't miss out on this meaningful session. Sign up today!

    About Kampong Palliative Care (KPC)

    KPC is a community-driven initiative dedicated to strengthening psychosocial support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, their caregivers, and families. We believe in empowering every member of the "kampong" to create a compassionate and supportive environment during challenging times.



    thriving after 50

     

    Event Details

  • 15 Oct 2025, 12pm - 1pm
  • National Library Building, Launch, Level 7
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    At 50, you’re not winding down — you’re entering a new chapter.

    Roughly 40% of your life still lies ahead. But that 40% brings a shift: from chasing titles to finding meaning, from building careers to crafting lives that matter.

    In this thoughtful and data-informed session, Derrick Yuen — trainer, business owner, and fellow senior — invites you to pause and reflect on what it means to thrive after 50. With a warm mix of personal stories, practical insights, and a healthy dose of humour, Derrick explores how seniors can make smarter, more intentional decisions about work, finances, time, and meaning.

    Whether you’re working, retiring, transitioning, or simply wondering “what’s next?” — this session will help you redefine success in a way that works for you.

  • What You’ll Explore
  • Refocusing Your Life from Career-Driven to Life-Centered Living
  • Learning about the Data Realities of Ageing in Singapore
  • Reposition Yourself in the Market, Don’t Compete
  • Explore the Possible Paths Ahead — No One-Size-Fits-All
  • Wrapping Up: Using Tableau Public to Think (and Plan) Smarter
  • Who This Is For

    Seniors aged 50+ — regardless of employment status — who want to approach the next season of life with clarity, confidence, and curiosity. If you’re looking to blend purpose, practicality, and possibility into your plans, this session offers both inspiration and tools to help you thrive.

    Please note that presentation slides may be available during or after the programme, depending on the programme. Where applicable, only participants who attend the programme can have access to the slides via instructions given during the programme

    About the Speaker

    Derrick Yuen, MBA, B.Eng (Civil) Principal Consultant FYT Consulting Pte Ltd

  • Leads consulting engagements across Asia Pacific to help organizations unlock insights from data—clients span sectors including Pharma, FMCG, Government, HR, Finance & F&B
  • Formerly established and led the Global People Analytics Centre of Excellence for a US$30B multinational healthcare company
  • Extensive experience as a management and analytics consultant across top-tier firms, corporates, and government agencies
  • ACLP-certified trainer who has delivered data workshops for Civil Service College, BCA Academy, Korn Ferry Academy, IPOS International, SNEF, HCLI, and others in Singapore and Malaysia
  • Regular conference speaker for HRM Asia, SNEF, and GNOWBE Create; recognized for Teaching Excellence by Civil Service College
  • Holds a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (NUS) and an MBA (University of Southern California)
  • Email: derrick.yuen@fytconsultants.com


  •  vitality with virtual reality

    Event Details

  • 15 Oct 2025, 3pm - 5pm
  • Online on Zoom
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Curious about how virtual reality (VR) technology can help us age well?

    Join us for a fun and interactive session to:

  • Learn how VR can be used to help seniors stay active and mentally engaged
  • See the tech in action, hear real stories about seniors’ experiences using them, and discover how it's also being employed to support people with conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain
  • Take a peek into how VR can play a role in early intervention for dementia by keeping minds sharp
  • VR is not just for gamers or the young; it’s for anyone who wants to age with vitality! Come with an open mind and see how innovative tech like VR is reshaping healthcare.

    Sign up now!



     the literary salon

    Event Details

  • 16 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4pm
  • Bishan Library, Programme Zone
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    The Literary Salon is not another book club.

    We invite friends or like-minded individuals to join us—not to discuss a book, but to explore a shared theme. At The Literary Salon, we want to curate a collective literary experience shaped by personal stories.

    This session, titled "Eat, Travel, Live!", celebrates a life of curiosity, adventure, and global experiences. Through sharing stories of travelling to far-reaching destinations, discovering exotic foods, or embracing a world beyond the familiar, participants can explore what it means to live a “global life.”

    You are encouraged to bring photos—digital or print—of their adventures, which can be displayed during the session to spark conversation and connection.

    You will also be able to hear from a diverse group of speakers at the session, including long-term expatriates, returning Singaporeans, and international residents who have made Singapore their home.



     road less travelled

    Event Details

  • 18 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4pm
  • Programme Room 2, Central Library
  • Register on FormSG
  • Road Less Travelled is a human library-style programme where the "books" are people—remarkable individuals who’ve pursued bold, unconventional paths, particularly later in life.

    Sit down with our "human books" to hear their personal journeys and discover how age is no barrier to embracing new possibilities. For a more rewarding session, do come with an open mind and thoughtful questions for each human book.

    Meet:

    Suhaimi Yusof, 55: Known for TV shows like The Noose and Police & Thief, Suhaimi is an artiste who went back to school in his 50s to get a university degree, earning a First Class Honours in Broadcast and Media Production from Teesside University.

    Squad 2X2: A seniors esports team comprising of four members in their 60s and 70s, Squad 2X2 have learned and grown through the International Seniors League. Through gaming, they keep their minds active in their golden years.

    Arun Rosiah, 61: Arun ventured into modelling after taking part in Manhunt Singapore 2021/2022 as its oldest contestant, where he emerged 1st runner up in the open category. Arun is also an educator and A.C.E. certified personal trainer.

    Tan Shie Boon, 33: Shie Boon teaches parkour to seniors following the methods of L'art du Déplacement, emphasising body conditioning to rebuild strength and confidence. He is the Director of ADD Academy Singapore.

    Maheswari d/o Thiagarayan, 55: Maheswari got started on her fitness journey as an older adult. She most recently ran a full marathon in Gold Coast, Australia. She has also hiked Mount Annapurna and Everest Base Camp.

    To get the most out of the session, we encourage you to arrive on time, be present, and engage fully with each human book.



     transforming care future of eldercare

    Event Details

  • 24 Oct 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm
  • Bright Hill Evergreen Home
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Some of us may have negative preconceived notions about life in a nursing home. At Bright Hill Evergreen Home, these perceptions are actively being subverted through their model of care that emphasises person-centeredness. In this eye-opening learning journey, you will get to:

  • Take a guided tour to see how the home plans and maximises its space to benefit residents
  • See how programmes are curated as part of residents’ everyday lives
  • Enjoy a performance put up by the residents
  • Come with an open mind and welcome a refreshed perspective of what it truly means to age with dignity and purpose in our evolving societal landscape.



    supporting friends and neighbours in bereavement

    Event Details

  • 27 Oct 2025, 4pm - 6pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 1
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    WHO-endorsed experts in community palliative care will teach you essential skills for being a steady presence during times of grief. This special session explores the unique role of bereavement companions. You will gain insight into grief journeys, learn how to listen and respond compassionately, and leave prepared to comfort others in their circle and community.



    words of wisdom

    Event Details

  • 28 Oct 2025, 3pm - 430pm
  • Central Library, Programme Room 2
  • Register on FormSG
  • About the Programme

    Learn life lessons from the highlights of the Words of Wisdom, by Folklory podcast and get even richer insights as we open the floor to learn from everyone present. Moreover, look forward to hearing from one of the interviewees of the podcast during this programme!

    You will be offered the choice to have thought-provoking conversations about Love, Career or Relationships. The Folklory and speaker Charlotte Goh have collated 60 amazing words of wisdom from Singaporeans from all walks of life. Let’s come together to listen to some highlights and share our own words of wisdom. Sign up now!

    About the Speakers

    Charlotte Goh - Kickstarter of Project Words of Wisdom. She is a social worker by training and spent 16 years in the media and the last 12 years in the social sector. Charlotte is a mother of a 14 year old, and she wants to leave legacy of great thoughts for her son. She started this project when her dad got very old but still had stories to tell. Capturing those stories was a great joy for the next gen in the family.

    Terence Chia - Terence is the co-founder of Ministry of Funny, a leading Singapore-based comedy brand that has amassed over 30 million video views. He is also the co-host of the widely popular current affairs podcast Yah Lah BUT, which boasts more than 6 million streams. Released three times weekly, the podcast blends insightful commentary with humor, featuring high-profile guests from diverse fields, including athletes, politicians, entrepreneurs, and digital creators.