Chua Chye Hong, 61
Mr Chua Chye Hong grew up in a poor family and worked hard as a canteen operator in his youth. Now, this self-made man is truly “seizing the day”. At the age of 60, he embarked on 6-week trek in China. He took up counseling and is now a family counselor. He conducts exercise classes for the elderly, plays the guitar at church, and tends to the plants in his garden and around his estate. And how else does he keep his energy up? By exercising regularly and keeping cheerful, of course.

Goh Seok Hiong, 67

Life sure does not slow down after retirement for Mr Goh Seok Hiong. Nor is age a barrier when it came to learning new things. He taught himself inline skating when a friend gave him a discarded pair of rollerblades. He started piano lessons a few months ago, at the age of 67. And when he is not taking care of his grandchildren – ferrying them to school, playing with them and teaching them – Mr Goh is hard at work putting his musical talents to use cheering up the aged and needy.

R Krishnavani, 70

With four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild to “mother” to and look after, one can expect that Mdm Krishnavani’s life is quite busy enough. But this quiet lady has much more going than that. She gives tuition; she acts on TV and radio; she helps the needy; she is an active volunteer at the grassroots level. And she manages the Golden Gals, an Indian dance group she founded for older women, so that they too can have an avenue to become active and engaged.

Tang Wing Kee, 69

When Mr Tang Wing Kee retired after 42 years as a teacher, his children wondered what he would do with his time. But for Mr Tang, the adventures were far from over. There were seas to sail, countries to explore – and inline skating to master. In fact, so passionately did he pursue the sport that he is now a certified instructor! Retirement also meant more time to volunteer in community initiatives, and for this, Mr Tang was recently awarded the Public Service Medal. And if you are wondering if he has time and energy for anything else, yes – he is ever the loving grandfather to his four grandchildren.

Yeo nee Tan Bok Hua (Mona), 70

Listening to Mona make stories come alive for children at Tampines Regional Library, it is hard to believe that she is 70 years old. Music, drama and children are her passions, and after her retirement, she jumped with both feet into the next phase of her life – working with children as a childcare teacher and volunteer story-teller. Of course, she does not neglect her old friends – get-togethers to celebrate birthdays and special events are regular occurrences, and for day-to-day updates, well, there is always the e-mail.

ACTIVE AGERS - PRUDENTIAL PRIME AWARD 2008 WINNER

Daniel Koh Hock Seng, 71

Mr Daniel Koh is one man who has brought active ageing to new heights – literally. In the past few years, this 71-year-old has trekked up mountains, travelled to Antartica and visited remote corners of the earth – his travel itinerary reads like something out of the National Geographic. A dedicated educator, he has led many students on overseas trips, instilling in them leadership and team-building skills, an appreciation for foreign cultures and his love for the outdoors.

ACTIVE AGERS - INFOCOMM CHAMPION AWARD 2008 WINNER

Dick Yip Kum Foo, 60

Until a few years ago, Mr Dick Yip Kum Foo was a self-confessed “technology dinosaur”. A relative’s funeral gave him the idea to start a family blog, and from there, his love affair with Infocomm Technology took off. Now, he not only contributes to the family blog, he has his own blog spot, downloads free software, e-mails and reads newspapers and shops online. What more proof do we need that there are no age barriers in the digital world.