Help seniors enjoy life's simple pleasures
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Sep 7, 2010 - ST Forum
WHILE I agree with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports that there is a broad base of active agers ("Many ways to make active ageing golden"; Aug 26), more can be done to engage the elderly.
People born in the 1930s and 1940s went through life in a very different Singapore. Retirement planning was not a priority then and very few were adequately prepared when it came time for them to retire. Longer lifespans, the rising cost of living, poor health and little savings pose challenges to this cohort of elderly Singaporeans.
As a senior, I am not surprised that only 5.5 per cent of the elderly here take part in clubs or group activities ("Not-so-golden years for the elderly in Singapore"; Aug 23). The urge to participate in mass line dancing and singing is simply not in the DNA of some elderly folk.
Perhaps they are more attuned to leisure activities close to their hearts and they are happy with the simple pleasures in life. Can society help them to fulfil their wishes with more tangible measures?
The Government should consider initiatives to enhance active ageing, perhaps by raising subsidies for health-care services and introducing free public transport for those aged above 70. Cumbersome restrictions on bus rides and movie tickets should also be removed.
There are many alternatives to structured group activities for seniors. They can derive joy from simple things like meeting friends for a meal at a hawker centre, watching movies, going to the library, taking short trips and cruises or simply strolling in the park with loved ones.
Paul Chan
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Group activities are organised by the young and the elderly don't really have the same stamina as they do. After one such hectic "herding", most of the elderly will take weeks to recuperate if at all.
I pity those who believe in MCYS.
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Last time, the group activities were organised for the old.
Now, the group activities are organised for sole purpose of showing off to the VIPs.
The activities are just a wayang to show that they have scored their KPI.
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Originally posted by Clivebenss:
Sep 7, 2010 - ST Forum
WHILE I agree with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports that there is a broad base of active agers ("Many ways to make active ageing golden"; Aug 26), more can be done to engage the elderly.
People born in the 1930s and 1940s went through life in a very different Singapore. Retirement planning was not a priority then and very few were adequately prepared when it came time for them to retire. Longer lifespans, the rising cost of living, poor health and little savings pose challenges to this cohort of elderly Singaporeans.
As a senior, I am not surprised that only 5.5 per cent of the elderly here take part in clubs or group activities ("Not-so-golden years for the elderly in Singapore"; Aug 23). The urge to participate in mass line dancing and singing is simply not in the DNA of some elderly folk.
Perhaps they are more attuned to leisure activities close to their hearts and they are happy with the simple pleasures in life. Can society help them to fulfil their wishes with more tangible measures?
The Government should consider initiatives to enhance active ageing, perhaps by raising subsidies for health-care services and introducing free public transport for those aged above 70. Cumbersome restrictions on bus rides and movie tickets should also be removed.
There are many alternatives to structured group activities for seniors. They can derive joy from simple things like meeting friends for a meal at a hawker centre, watching movies, going to the library, taking short trips and cruises or simply strolling in the park with loved ones.
Paul Chan
Paul Chan = (in Cantonese) ç ´ç”¢
just a joke
anyway, for people born in the 1930s and 1940s, why wasn't retirement planning a priority?
I do agree line dance and singing is a current fad. it is simply not in the DNA of some elderly folk. even in later generations too, they have not become something so common.
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Originally posted by BanguIzai:
Paul Chan = (in Cantonese) ç ´ç”¢
just a joke
anyway, for people born in the 1930s and 1940s, why wasn't retirement planning a priority?
I do agree line dance and singing is a current fad. it is simply not in the DNA of some elderly folk. even in later generations too, they have not become something so common.
Living though the age of plenty in the 60s and little change from their parents mentality. Filal peity. Children are suppose and most will take care of their elderly parents.
I'm still active but I can't say many of my friends are.
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the best way for senior citizens enjoy their last laps is to return all their money than to give out in tranches...
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LKY say work till you die, enjoy simi pleasure lar.
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LKY can work until he die that's his problem.
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Originally posted by Clivebenss:
Living though the age of plenty in the 60s and little change from their parents mentality. Filal peity. Children are suppose and most will take care of their elderly parents.
I'm still active but I can't say many of my friends are.
Good that you are still active.