Singapore, 16 August 2014 – Seniors above 55 years old are BETTER, WISER and FITTER, said NTUC Secretary-General Mr Lim Swee Say at the annual U Live Symposium where he launched the Active 55+ programme. The new and first structured empowerment programme caters to the U Live community which has more than doubled in size from 70,000 members in 2009 to over 155,000 members currently, with some 1,300 new members turning 55 every month. Brought to members by U Live, the Labour Movement’s community for those 55 years and more, the programme encourages the growing base of U Live members to embrace the Happy, Healthy, Productive and Purposeful (H2P2) lifestyle by building stronger relationship with each of them and guiding them along their 55+ journey.
The Active 55+ programme strives to let U Live members improve their knowledge in the work and social spheres of their lives, while encouraging them to be more proactive in finding ways to improve their golden years. Members who sign up for Active 55+ programme embark on a journey guided by a planned curriculum of workshops and activities, while becoming part of a close-knit group of fellow participants. Upon completion of the Active 55+ Programme, they will be presented with a certificate, a testament to their continued appetite for more in life. Members take approximately six months to complete the programme. The programme is developed after five years of active engagement with NTUC members above 55 years old. Members had shared their desires for how they would like to continue shaping their lives in the coming years, so that they can continue to welcome new experiences and challenges. Please see Annex A for core curriculum.
“We want to remind ourselves and the world, that at 55+, we still have a sense of purpose, the zest for life, and the desire to keep our minds stimulated. It is with experience, and continued learning, that we are able to tackle everyday challenges, with the confidence that you are continuing to make positive contributions at work. At 55+, YOU are BETTER, WISER, FITTER – wise beyond your years with a wealth of experience and growing knowledge, and health-conscious enough to be very effective at work and play! This is a journey of change and personal empowerment that U Live will accompany you on through the Active 55+ Programme,” Mr Lim told participants at the Symposium.
The U Live Symposium, held at the Devan Nair Institute For Employment and Employability, is one of the largest one-stop events for the U Live community, with exciting talks, workshops and activities close to their hearts. Please see Annex B for the programme of the symposium.
The symposium is designed to empower and engage participants to lead a H2P2 life. Participants can select from workshop topics ranging from health to smartphone literacy, enjoy a movie, and look out for career and employment opportunities. They will also be provided with an array of free activities at the Active Zone, where participants can take up Zumba, Aerobics and even Drum and Percussion Jam on the spot.
Mr Yeo Khee Leng, NTUC Club, Chief Executive Officer, said, “The U Live Symposium will continue to be an important and holistic platform where members will be able to further themselves, be it for their health or to stay updated and connected with technology and society. This is at the heart of what the U Live community is about – encouraging the 55+ to continue leading Happy, Healthy, Productive and Purposeful lives, and looking forward to embracing the many exciting and new experiences that lie ahead of us!”
Mr Heng Chee How, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC added, "We want to recognise and be grateful for the many contributions that mature workers make, and cheer them on their 55+ adventure. Towards this end, we will be starting an "Appreciating U - Our Mature Workers" photograph contest from 19 August to capture their special spirit."
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