Response from seniors 'well ahead' of targets for scheme launched 2 years ago, says PM Lee
By Andrea Ong, The Straits Times, 11 Nov 2012
Some 200,000 seniors have taken part to date in a national programme to keep older Singaporeans active, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.
The good response is "well ahead" of targets set for the National Wellness Programme launched two years ago, he said.
The programme, which is led by the People's Association and supported by various government agencies, had aimed to reach out to 30 per cent of those aged 50 and above by this financial year.
It hopes to reach half of this population by 2015.
But already, some 34 per cent - 200,000 - have taken part in activities ranging from mahjong and karaoke to line dancing and balloon sculpting.
Of these, almost 5,000 hail from Mr Lee's own Teck Ghee ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC.
Some of these gung-ho seniors strutted their stuff in front of 1,200 fellow residents at the Teck Ghee Active Ageing Night yesterday.
"They are all having fun... and in the process making many friends," said Mr Lee after watching the performers drum, dance and catwalk. "Staying active is the best way for us to keep healthy - physically healthy, mentally healthy," he added.
Mr Lee also thanked students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central and other young Singaporeans who supported the wellness programme by volunteering at activities and visiting the elderly in their homes.
For instance, Teck Ghee has a community drumming circle made up of elderly residents and ITE students. Mr Lee and his wife Ho Ching gamely drummed away with them last night.
Mr Lee also thanked students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central and other young Singaporeans who supported the wellness programme by volunteering at activities and visiting the elderly in their homes.
For instance, Teck Ghee has a community drumming circle made up of elderly residents and ITE students. Mr Lee and his wife Ho Ching gamely drummed away with them last night.
One resident who has benefited from the National Wellness Programme is retired seamstress Lim Yok Lian, 52. She had been depressed after a bout of cervical cancer in 2009, but found new friends and confidence after joining a senior citizens' fashion show interest group last year.
"Now I stand straight, walk with more confidence and I no longer visit the doctor," said Madam Lim, who modelled an outfit made of balloons last night.
Yesterday, Mr Lee also assured seniors that the Government will continue to help them age gracefully and with peace of mind.
He cited programmes such as the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). It benefits people aged 40 and above who live in a household with a monthly income of no more than $1,500 per head. They receive subsidised care at private general practices and dental clinics.
Mr Lee also spoke of the Senior's Mobility Fund (SMF), which helps the elderly get subsidised mobility devices.
Last night, he gave out walking aids, wheelchairs and CHAS cards - which must be flashed at clinics to qualify for the subsidy - to 13 residents. There are now 220,000 CHAS card holders and about 1,100 SMF beneficiaries islandwide.
Last night, he gave out walking aids, wheelchairs and CHAS cards - which must be flashed at clinics to qualify for the subsidy - to 13 residents. There are now 220,000 CHAS card holders and about 1,100 SMF beneficiaries islandwide.
"We have many programmes for our seniors, so don't worry, take care of yourselves, eat healthily, exercise, and you'll be able to enjoy yourselves and grow old well in Ang Mo Kio and I think all over Singapore."
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