ACTIVE AGEING FESTIVAL 2008 PRESENTS THE ACTIVE AGEING CARNIVAL

Life continues well into the third age

Proving that age is but a number, scores of seniors thronged the Active Ageing Carnival at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on the 23rd and 24th of August 2008 to glide on the Flying Fox or zip through a go-cart course.

Organised by the Council for Third Age, which promotes active ageing, the event brought together seniors from all walks of life, all eager to try their hand at something new, and celebrate life in their third age.

Setting an exemplary example of how one should live life at third age, a sporting guest-of-honour Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister for Prime Minister’s Office, officiated the event after rollerblading into Ngee Ann City’s Civic Plaza, to the delight of the crowd.

Breaking the misconception that senior citizens are frail and serious, Singapore’s active agers showed the younger Orchard crowd how they were every bit as youthful, showing off their moves in line-dancing, and crooning Elvis Presley hits with vocal prowess that would have made The King himself proud.

With some 74 interest groups and organisations participating at the festival, senior citizens were treated to a variety of fun-filled activities that gave them many choices and opportunities to adopt a lifestyle they want. Stage segments, including an appearance by popular actress Jacelyn Tay, also helped break the ice and kept them entertained throughout the day.

Partner groups and organisations also set up individual stands where attendees could pick up tips on everything from health and nutrition to technology and financial planning, thus introducing them to a wide range of offerings for active agers across the six dimensions of wellness: social, intellectual, physical, vocational, emotional and spiritual.

The Active Ageing Carnival is part of the Active Ageing Festival which runs from August to November. With this year’s success, we look forward to seeing all of you next year!