A new initiative of the Tsao Foundation to tap on seniors’ potential as public educators on ageing.

The programme seeks to recruit and train seniors to become public educators on ageing issues. Upon completion of the training, the seniors will be placed at different platforms such as schools, community centres, libraries etc, to conduct talks on the topics they are trained in and will span over 2 years, beginning from March 2007. To-date, more than 200 talks have been conducted by our Active Senior Ambassadors.

We are currently into our 2nd phase of the programme and would like to invite more seniors to join us as an Active Senior Ambassador!

Why should seniors participate in the Seniors’ Talkshop programme?

• Talk about and dispel myths that seniors are passive and dependent.
• Actively engage the community on challenges and issues of ageing.
• Learn a lifetime - Make lifelong learning a personal goal.
• Keep active and contribute their expertise and experiences.
• Strengthen their capabilities as a public educator.
• Help raise public consciousness and advocacy on ageing issues.
• Open and widen their social circle.
• Play a role in changing the society's negative perception on ageing.

Who can be part of the Seniors’ Talkshop programme?

• Age: 50 and above
• Educational Level: Minimum some secondary or post primary education;
• Language capabilities: fluent in English and/or Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
  (Please note that Malay and Tamil speakers have to be effectively bilingual)
• Enjoy interacting with people
• Enjoy public speaking
• Keen interest in issues relating to ageing and older persons

What is the cost involved and how long is the training?

A registration fee of $50 applies. This will also cover the cost of training that you will need to attend before conducting public education on your own. Each senior will receive a total of 22 hrs of training before conducting public education on their own.

There will be a small honorarium covering transport and refreshments for seniors when conducting the talks.

What are the training topics?

• Ageing Gracefully - Tips on how to age successfully
• Balance Exercise to Prevent Falls
• Creating a happy mind in your golden years
• Money Matters*
• Move It or Lose it! Exercise and the Older Persons
• Eating Well! Nutrition for the Older Person
• Saying No, Your Choice - Assertive skills for the older person
• Ties that Bind - How to nurture relationship with your adult children

For details of the above topics, please kindly find in the link--Synopsis of the Topics.

Contact information:

Interested individuals or organizations, please contact Ms Tay Soh Ling at 6593 9518 or sohling@tsaofoundation.org. We will also arrange an interview with you to determine your suitability for the programme.

This pilot programme is supported by the Golden Opportunities! (GO!)