Know someone who is always finding new ways to stay active, healthy or simply have fun? If they are 60 and above, they might just be whom we are looking for! Nominations for the 2010 Active Agers Awards will soon open. Check back for details or sign-up for our mailing list and be kept updated on C3A activities.
(anti-clockwise from bottom left) Active Agers of the Year 2009: Rajam Sadanandan,
Ruby R Ng-Ong, Zaibun Siraj, Chhua Bak Siang and Sabapathy Gopalakrishnan (Gopal) Active Agers – Infocomm Champion Award 2009: Sam Liu
Chhua Bak Siang, 61
Chhua Bak Siang is a gentleman steeped in Chinese tradition and education who knows and loves his history, but he’s also very much in step with the times. He’s learning English and IT skills; he’s a volunteer museum guide and fundraiser; he’s the Secretary of the Toa Payoh Industrial Park Manufacturers and Traders Association; and he still has room in his life for the less fortunate in society and his large extended family.
Rajam Sadanandan, 62
As a teenager, Rajam Sadanandan shouldered the responsibility of looking after five younger siblings and a sickly mother. As a mother, she worked hard to bring up her three children and give them a good education. Now at 62, she is a valued mentor to younger colleagues, and an active community leader. But that’s not all – she has recently gone back to school and is pursuing her dream of getting a degree.
Ruby R Ng-Ong, 72
Ruby Ng may be every bit of 72, but this vivacious lady is best described as “spirited’, “gung-ho” and “fun-loving”. She attributes her youthfulness and boundless energy to her numerous hobbies – from swimming and line-dancing, to cooking, music and singing! She performs with a choir called “The Peranakan Voices” that she also initiated, and in between, she still finds time to be a very active and regular volunteer.
Sabapathy Gopalakrishnan, 74
Sabapathy Gopalakrishnan is a committed family man and loving husband; a community leader who firmly believes in serving his fellowmen; a keen sportsman who – after his retirement – took it upon himself to start exercise classes for the seniors in his neighbourhood. He’s also a regular volunteer at temples and grassroots organisations, and an avid gardener, so one can honestly say that Gopal is indeed a very active senior.
Zaibun Siraj, 62
She is one bubbly, gregarious and irrepressibly energetic lady. With her purple hair and green nail colour, Zaibun Siraj stands the notion of ageing on its head. Purple makes people happy, she says, and right now, as a motivational coach, her mission is to pass on her happiness and positivism to as many people as possible. As an Active Ager of the Year, Zaibun will share her ‘Zing’ with many seniors.
ACTIVE AGERS - INFOCOMM CHAMPION AWARD 2009 WINNER
Sam Liu, 73
When seniors come face to face with a computer, their feelings can often be described as ‘somewhat bothered’ and ‘often bewildered’. But for Sam Liu, IT is an indispensable part of life, and for the past several years, he has devoted his efforts to helping seniors conquer their digital discomfort. He helped to start the RSVP Cyberguide programme and continues to volunteer his time in the classroom, helping his peers to bridge the digital divide.
