New senior volunteer training centre and senior volunteer week launched

In its bid to promote active ageing, RSVP Singapore - The Organisation of Senior Volunteers launched the Senior Volunteer Week and a new Senior Volunteer Training Centre this morning. 

Launching both initiatives was Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at the RSVP's premises at Bishan. 

The Senior Volunteer week, which begins today, aims to engage seniors in various volunteering activities such as guiding elderly patients around hospitals. 

The training centre, which will be operational at the end of this year, will help seniors hone their communication and time management skills to be a more effective volunteer. 

To date some 300 participants have been trained - and the aim is to train 700 of them by next year. 

"We can achieve this if our seniors are not worried about getting old, but instead, embrace ageing and continue to learn and engage in all aspects of society, if society at large values and respects our seniors as important members of our community. The two reinforce each other." 

Active seniors like you are role models for our society and shape our perceptions about ageing. An inclusive and caring community who values seniors will in turn provide a conducive environment for seniors to remain engaged.