More than 400 courses available for seniors to upgrade themselves
The 50Plus Expo will be held at the Suntec City Convention Centre until Sunday, May 17. Photo: News 5 Tonight via Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE — Seniors can now choose from more than 400 courses—from arts, culture and business, to culinary skills—to upgrade themselves in their later years.
As part of the country’s jubilee celebrations, these courses will be offered free until the end of this year.
Seniors can also sign up for the courses at the 50Plus Expo at Suntec City Convention Centre until tomorrow (May 17).
The expo, hosted by the Council for Third Age, aims to promote active ageing by providing a host of informative forum talks, hands-on workshops and educational activities.
The seniors can choose from a wide range of options to enrol in a course that best suits their preference.
Several courses are run by educational institutions and voluntary welfare organisations, and the seniors will get to study alongside younger students.
Mdm Pearl Tang signed up for Chinese ink painting classes last month and has not looked back since.
“I’ve always appreciated the arts. Chinese ink painting which is a traditional art—many people have forgotten about. ... I took this opportunity to pick up the new skill and I hope I can impart this knowledge to other people.”
Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Amy Khor noted that it is common to see seniors living past 80 years old. She said that at 50 years old, it can be the start of a period of “second growth” where seniors learn and experience new things, and pursue new careers.
She said when the Ministerial Committee on Ageing held discussions on successful ageing last year, many seniors were enthusiastic with their contributions.
Dr Khor said: “They were full of life and suggestions. They proposed that we provide more opportunities for older Singaporeans to learn, not just for employment, but for learning’s sake. They gave ideas on how we can bring programmes closer to the heartlands to help seniors keep healthy. Many of them also want to continue to contribute to our community through volunteerism.”
The Council for Third Age partnered more than 160 voluntary welfare organisations and community groups to reach out to the seniors at the Expo.
Seniors can also log on to www.c3a.org.sg to find out more or sign up for the courses. CHANNEL NEWSASIA/ NEWS 5 TONIGHT
