Active Ageing Festival 2009

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In conjunction with the Active Ageing Festival 2009, the following events have been lined up:

1. SAGE Chinese Orchestra Concert

Spring Breeze Melodies

Date: Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Venue: NAFA Campus 3 (Lee Foundation Theatre)

Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Free admission with ticket.

2. SAGE Cantonese Opera Night

Date: Saturday, 28 November 2009

Venue: Jalan Besar Community Centre (Hall)

Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Free admission with ticket.

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SAGE SECOND HALF WORKSHOP

SAGE is offering Second-Half Workshops to Singaporeans who are 45 years and above.

Recently, SAGE held a Second Half Workshop on 4th Nov 2009 at People’s Association Headquarters at King George’s Avenue. A total of 48 participants attended the workshop.

The 1-day workshop covers two main aspects of psycho-social and financial planning. Facilitated by speakers who are experienced in having helped hundreds of other pre-retirees.

This programme is funded by Council for Third Age (C3A), planned, organized, delivered and facilitated by Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE).

SAGE welcomes individuals and organisations to contact Mr Wan Noor Hj Zohri at 6258 8789 or e-mail publiceducation@sage.org.sg for more details.

CEO, SAGE addressing the participants

Trainer Koh delivering his lecture in psycho and social issues

Participants having tea break

Trainer Allen Lim delivering his lecture in financial planning

Participants and Trainers of SAGE 2nd Half Workshop at PA Headquarters

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i-CREATe 2010

Into its 4th installment, i-CREATe will be held in Shanghai, China from 21 - 23 July 2010 and is expecting a larger than ever participations from representatives across the Asia Pacific regions and beyond. The highlights of i-CREATe 2010 are "Travel, Employment, Education, Leisure and Sports", all aiming to integrate people with special needs into the society. There will be a three days Exhibition and Student Design Challenge exhibits that run alongside with the conference where it provides a platform for technical exchanges on advanced technologies, equipments, techniques and materials applied in the field of Assistive & Rehabilitative Technology (ART). i-CREATe is honored to have the strong support of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindorn, Thailand who will be gracing the event for the 4th consecutive year.

Kindly visit the link below for the i-CREATe 2010 website.

http://www.icreateasia.org/

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Superbrain Yoga

Superbrain Yoga is a yogic exercise which energizes and activates the brain cells.

-principle of ear acupuncture through scientific concepts

-useful in countering the effects associated with ageing such as memory loss and dementia


Free Public Talk
24 Oct 2009, Sat
12pm to 1pm





Superbrain Yoga Course
21 Nov 2009, Sat
9:30am to 12:30pm
- Special rates for SAGE member

All Are Welcome!
Register Early
SAGE Tel : 6365 7159

10TH ASEAN GERONTOLOGY COURSE

In its continual effort to provide capacity building for service providers in the eldercare sector, SAGE, together with the International Institute on Ageing (INIA) – UN Malta and the INIA-SAGE ASEAN Council on Ageing (ISACA) embarked in organizing the annual ASEAN Gerontology Course. Started in 1999, the highlight to this year’s 10th ASEAN Gerontology Course was the Commemorative lecture delivered by Prof Joseph Troisi, Director, INIA at the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner held at Furama City Centre.

The Course from 21 August to 1 September 2009 attracted a total of 18 participants, of which 3 were from Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam respectively. With scholarships extended by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 3 ASEAN participants were able to share their experiences and interacted with their Singapore counterparts.

The 10th ASEAN Gerontology Course Final Report can be viewed at ISACA website: http://www.isaca.sg

MFA has confirmed 6 scholarships to ASEAN countries and preparations for the coming 11th ASEAN Gerontology Course to be held in 2010 are in progress.

More details for the coming 11th ASEAN Gerontology Course will be announced later.

Interested parties please register with Mr Wan Noor Hj Zohri at 63537159 or e-mail to publiceducation@sage.org.sg

We look forward to an exciting 11th ASEAN Gerontology Course.

Standing From Left To Right:

Ms Yuana, Dr Pay Sambo (Cambodia), Mr Satyaprakash Tiwari, Mr Cheah Sang Huat, Mr Lim Chee Koon, Mdm Anuradha Kaliappan, Mr Wang Junjie, Ms Ivy Lim Ai Ching, Mr Sim Jui Liang, Ms Lim Hwa Shan, Mr Patrick Choon, Mdm Meera Krishnan, Ms Alexis Lee, Ms F R Monica Jayarani, Mr Tay Soo Wan, Ms Jasmine Ng Shu Hua, Mr Wan Noor.

Seated From Left To Right:
Mr Phua Kok Tee, Dr Aris Ananta, Prof Joseph Troisi, Dr Lee Ngak Siang, Mdm Le Minh Giang (Vietnam)
Not in picture: Prof Harrison Bloom, Dr Hennessy Kurniawan (Indonesia), Ms Julie Spencer, Ms Chin Wan Ping, Ms Trudy Loh, Ms Jennifer Yin.

Guest-of-Honour Ambassador-At-Large, Mr Ong Keng Yong delivering his Remarks at the Commemorative Anniversary Dinner

Prof Troisi delivering his introductory speech on Basic Concepts on Gerontology

Dancers from Kirana Seni, dance troupe from Majlis Pusat, a Malay cultural group performing the welcoming dance to welcome guests and participants.

Dancers from Kirana Seni, dance troupe from Majlis Pusat, a Malay cultural group performing the welcoming dance to welcome guests and participants.

Past participant Rebecca Aw sharing her benefits and experiences after attending the 9th ASEAN Gerontology Course in 2008.

Past participant Dr Ye Htut sharing his benefits and experiences after attending the 9th ASEAN Gerontology Course in 2008.

Prof Dr Harrison Bloom delivering his lectures to participants

Dr Gerald Koh delivering his lectures to the participants

Class Monitor making his Course Summary to the class

Workshop session in progress. Facilitated by Dr Aris Ananta, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)

Working till early hour in the morning, the Final Report Committee preparing the Final Report.

Class Representative Patrick Choon thanking Prof Troisi at the Closing Ceremony.

Need a Handyman? Maintenance on Wheel 流动维修

Maintenance on Wheels is a social enterprise project for Seniors by Seniors to gain financial independence and maintain a heathy and active lifestyle.

流动维修组是乐龄人士自己的社会企业。它旨在帮助乐龄群体获得经济独立，从而保持积极健康的生活方式。

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Heater problems? 热水器坏了？

Plumbing works? 水喉工程？

Pipe choked? 水管阻塞？

Electrical faults? 电线短路？

Pipe leaks? 爆水管？

Faulty toilet? 厕所维修？

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For any enquiry, please call  询问请电：

62588789
63535066

Mr Boey York Teck
Mr Lim Meng Yong

Charity Dinner Cum Silver Karaoke Competition 09 慈善晚宴与银发卡拉OK歌唱比赛

Charity Dinner Cum Silver Karaoke Competition 09
慈善晚宴与银发卡拉OK歌唱比赛

Friday, 18 September 2009
9 月 18 日 （星期五）

Qian Xi Restaurant 千禧楼
#04-09, Tanjong Katong Complex

Each Person $40.00 每名 $40.00

All are welcome.
Registry Early 请早报名

Enquiry and Registration 询问与报名
Tel 63537159 (Office hours 办公时间)

Table Tennis Fundraising Tournament

Clash of the Titans
Table Tennis Fundraising Tournament
Organised by: SAGE, YMCA, CITIBANK, YFC (2009)
Event Dates: 29 August to 5 September 2009
(only on Saturdays)
Time: 7 PM - 10 PM

Venue: Singapore Action Group for Elders MPH

19 Toa Payoh West

Registration Fee: $100 (Per Team, 3 Persons)

Registration closese on 19 August 2009

For Enquiry:

19 Toa Payoh

SAGE Tel: 63537159

SAGE Fax: 63537148

Email: jagrocks@hotmail.com

Singapore's First Permanent Illusion Show

Singapore's First Permanent Illusion Show.

Held on August 1, 2009.

Ticket Prices : $38 (Usual)

Venue: The Arena

SHOWTIME: 4:30pm (Seating is 15 mins before Showtime)

3B River Valley Road #01-08

Clarke Quay S(179021)

NOW AT A SPECIAL PRICE OF $20 If purchased through SAGE.

* Purchasing tickets through SAGE(Singapore Action Group For Elders) :$20
(To be bought and collected at SAGE)

SPECIAL PRICE of $20 If tickets are bought and collected at SAGE Office (Singapore Action Group For Elders) at 19 Toa Payoh West

* LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SAGE for the Special price of $20 SO HURRY!!!

For Enquiries & Details: SAGE Tell: 63537159 SAGE Fax: 63537148

The Stars of the Magic Show:

1) JC Sum

2) "Magic Babe Ning"

For further details into these two magicians, please refer to this site. http://www.jcsum.com/

Based in Singapore, J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning are Asia's Most Lethal Combination in Magic!

Channel News Asia calls them "the new faces of an old-age art form" and AsiaOne proclaims them "the hottest duo in town"!

J C & Ning represent a new breed of world-class urban illusionists and MagicSeen magazine acknowledges them as "truly one of the world's leading illusion acts".

They specialize in presenting sophisticated illusion performances for special events & entertainment venues across Asia. Explore this website for info on J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning's shows, consulting services and videos.

Chinese Calligraphy 中国书法

Learn to write and appreciate Chinese calligraphy as a hobby and a way to relax the mind. Participants will be introduced to the brush strokes technique used in Chinese Calligraphy and the different styles of Chinese calligraphy.

The class will be conducted by Mr Wong Joon Tai. Visit his blog to know him more:
http://icalligraphy.blogspot.com/

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Every Thursday 3 pm to 4.30 pm
$100.00 (10 Sessions)

$20 one-time materials cost
Singapore Action Group Of Elders
19 Toa Payoh West
Singapore 318876

Tel 36537159

Yoga Class

Every Wednesday
2.00pm to 3.30pm
6.30pm to 8.00pm

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$80 for 8 lessons (members)

$120 for 8 lessons (non-members)

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For enquires:

19 TOA PAYOH WEST
SINGAPORE 318876
TEL: 63537159/62588789

FAX: 63537148

Swimming 游泳

Friday 8am – 9am

Toa Payoh Swimming Pool

$120.00 For 12 sessions

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For enquiries:

Tel: 63537159

Introduction to Computer With Internet Usage

Classes are conducted in English or Mandarin. (9 am to 5 pm)

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Applicants have to be above 50 years and above.
Applications with a monthly salary of below $1500 and a monthly household income below $2500 pay a fee of $10.
Applicants must be Singaporean or PR.

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For enquiries and registration/ 询问与报名:
SAGE
Tel. No: 63537159 (office hours)
Fax: 63537148 Email: annaleow@sage.org.sg

电脑基本课程

华助会技能培训奖计划-信息技术的概念课程
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新课在七月十日
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申请者必须是50岁以上。
必须附 I/C 复印本。
月薪不超过 $1500 和家庭总收入不超过 $2500的申请者 需付 $10的学费. 超过这个条件必需付$65。
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询问与报名:
新加坡乐龄活动联会
19 Toa Payoh West Singapore 318876
Tel. No: 63537159 (office hours)
Fax: 63537148

One Day Local Tour 本地一日游

Date: Saturday, 30th May 2009-05-15 （5月30 日，星期六）
Time: 1.00 pm – 8.30 pm （下午一点至晚上八点半）
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Places of Interest: 游览地点
. Asian Civilisation Museum （亚洲文明博物馆）
. Peranakan Museum 土生文物馆
. One Flight of Singapore Flyer (sunset) 新加坡摩天楼
. One 8-course dinner at Chinese Restaurant 晚餐（八道菜）
. One-way boat rides @ Merlion Park 鱼尾狮游船
(Assemble @ Toa Payoh Sport Stadium Carpark) 集合在大巴窑体育馆停车场
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Fee: $50 per head 收费：每人$50
Ticket price includes Museum entrance fee. 票价包括博物馆入门票。
Limited vacancies, First-Come-First-Served. 座位有限，请早购票。
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For enquiry and registration: 询问与报名：
Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE)
19 Toa Payoh West
Tel: 63537159

SAGE Employment Centre

Our Mission
To play an active role to ensure our elderly stay employable and continue to be active in the mainstream society.
Our Services
We provide free job matching and referral service for mature job seekers (aged 45 years and above). The Centre registers job-seekers and matches their skills, experiences, suitability and preferences with jobs that are available. These range from clerical and supervisory appointments (including secretarial and sales) to manual and lower skilled jobs such as gardening and cleaning services.
Our Sponsors
To run our free services, SAGE Employment Service Centre depends on:
. public donations made to SAGE,
. fund-raising projects organised by SAGE, and
. support of volunteers
Contact
For enquiries on employment, please contact us at:
Tel: (65) 6258 8789
Fax: (65) 6353 7148
Email: esc@sage.org.sg

SAGE Counselling Centre (established 1991)

Our Mission
"To enhance the total well-being of the older persons and their caregivers with a special focus on the psychological and social aspects of their health."
Our Funders
SAGE Counselling Centre is jointly funded by the National Council of Social Service and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
Our Volunteers
If you are 25 years and above, able to speak English/ Mandarin/ Malay/ Tamil and one dialect, and interested to work with older persons, do contact us.
Our Services
Through our sponsors and volunteers, we are able to provide our services at zero cost to our clients. Our services include: Helpline, face-to-face counselling, information and referral, volunteer training and development, consultancy and advocacy on issues such as Elder Abuse and Elder Suicide.
Contact Details
Please call SAGE Helpline for Seniors @1800 555 5555
Our operating hours are :
Weekdays 9 am - 7 pm & Saturdays 9 am -1 pm
For anyone 50 years & above or anyone who has a concern or question regarding someone 50 years and above.
Email: sagecc_reception@sage.org.sg

Understand & Communicating with the Elderly

Talk to Secondary School Students
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The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE) have embarked on a programme to give talks to Secondary School students to raise awareness on ageing issues.
The population in Singapore is rapidly ageing. Many measures are being put in place to meet the challenges of ageing issues. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ageing Population stressed in its report to the Government in November 1999 stressed the need to change mindsets through effective public education as one of its key recommendations.
The broad objectives of the talks are as follows:
1. To raise awareness of the ageing population in Singapore and its implications.
2. To raise awareness on ageing issues.
3. To impart knowledge and understanding of the needs of the elderly.
4. To foster closer inter-generation ties through better understanding by the young of the elderly.
5. To inculcate the right mindset in facing the challenges of ageing.
6. To have the young to be the ambassadors to the elderly in their home.
We wish to extend an invitation to all secondary schools for the Year 2005.
3 types of programmes are available:
1. General Talk during Assembly to raise awareness. This is a 45 minutes programme with 15 minutes of performances by the elderly and half an hour's talk.
2. Workshop for maximum 2 classes of students where there can be more in-depth discussion of the topic as well as better interaction between the facilitator and the students. This is an one and a half hour programme.
3. Learning Journeys Programme for the Upper Secondary. There are many programmes under Learning Journeys for various levels. The one related to elderly issues put up by MCYS is for upper secondary level with a talk at your school followed by a visit to a Senior Activity Centre.
Themes of Talks at Assembly / Workshop
1. Understanding the Needs of the Elderly
2. Communicating with the Elderly
3. How Can I Befriend the Elderly?
4. Intergenerational Bonding
Performances by our senior citizen members can also be arranged so as to impart a very positive image of active ageing.
For more information, please contact SAGE at (65) 6258 8789 or email: publiceducation@sage.org.sg

Continuing Education

We provide public education and continuing education courses which emphasise "Life Long Learning" (3L). We believe in ACTIVE AGEING and encourage the elderly to continue to upgrade themselves to stay relevant in this fast changing society.

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Some of the topics discussed during our talks and seminars to the public, to organisations and to students are:
01. Health Issues
02. Home Safety
03. Living through the Autumn Years -how prepared are you
04. Inter-Generational Bonding
05. Role of Senior Citizens in the New Economy
06. Understanding & Communicating with the Elderly
07. Care for the Elderly
08. Employment and Employability
09. Emotional Issues faced by the Elderly
10. Autumn Love
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The objectives of these seminars are:
. To raise awareness of ageing and ageism issues
. To ensure that every senior citizen is responsible for his/her well being be it physical, mental, spiritual or economic through life long planning
. To encourage the elderly to lead active lives through healthy lifestyles To maintain physical and mental well-being
. To encourage the elderly to lead meaningful, active and productive lives through self-improvement in life long learning and spiritual growth
. To encourage the elderly to remain economically active through entrepreneurship and employment
. To foster strong, extended, caring family relationships of interdependence that would complement independence
. To foster community bonding and social integration through volunteering and other community services.

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Contact Us

For enquiries on public education programmes, please contact us at:
Tel: (65) 6258 8789

Fax: (65) 6353 7148

Email: publiceducation@sage.org.sg

Centre for the Study of Ageing

The CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF AGEING (CENSA) was established because there is insufficient local research data on the ageing process, diseases and ailments that afflict the elderly. It is headed on a voluntary basis by Professor Kua Ee Heok, Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore. The Centre has a research committee comprising of multi-disciplinary professionals.
Research data are released through publications, media and public symposia. Through Prof. Kua's efforts, SAGE published its first book "A Ripe Old Age" (in English and Chinese editions) in November 1998 and a second book "Doctor, I'm Worried" (in Chinese edition) in March 2000. This is an effort to inform the public on various aspects of the ageing process.
You can purchase the books:
A Ripe Old Age(English and Chinese editions), S$12 each
Doctor, I'm Worried(Chinese edition), S$15 each
Mailing service can be arranged at the additional fee of S$5.

Acupunture Centre for the Elderly

SAGE and the Acupuncture Charitable Centre jointly operates an acupuncture clinic at SAGE to provide acupuncture and acupressure services for seniors with joint pains, rheumatism, stroke and stomach ailments.
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Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6pm-9pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11.00am to 5.00pm
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Acupuncture Treatment (fee per treatment)
SAGE Member: $5
Non member: $7
Non Singaporean: $10
Other Services:
Massage TherapyFee per treatment: $20
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Contact Us
For enquiry on acupuncture services, please contact us at tel (65) 6354 5760

SAGE Weekly Programme 每周节目表

Day 每日表	Time 时间	Activities 活动	Location 地点
Monday 星期一	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
Tuesday 星期二	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
	8.00 pm – 10.00 pm 晚上八点至晚上十点	Cantonese Opera 广东粤剧	3rd Floor (Back Room) 三楼（后房）
Wednesday 星期三	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
	6.00 pm – 7.30 pm 傍晚六点至晚上七点半	Yoga Class 初级瑜伽课程	1st Floor (Multi-purpose Hall) 一楼（大礼堂）
	7.00 pm – 8.00 pm 晚上七点至晚上八点	Chinese Orchestra 快乐华乐团	2nd Floor (3L Training Room) 二楼（3L会议室）
Thursday 星期四	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
	12.0 noon – 1.30 pm 中午十二点至下午一点半	English Conversation 英语会话	Resource Centre
	7.30 pm – 10.00 pm 晚上七点半至晚上十点	Solo Singing (Live Band) 独唱（乐队伴奏）	2nd Floor (Choir Room) 二楼（合唱团课室）
Friday 星期五	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
	8.00 pm – 10.00 pm 晚上八点至晚上十点	Choir Practice (Group) 合唱团练习	2nd Floor (Choir Room) 二楼（合唱团课室）
Saturday 星期六	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）
	1.30 pm – 4.00 pm 下午一点半至下午四点	Social Ballroom Dance 社交舞蹈	1st Floor (Multi-purpose Hall) 一楼（大礼堂）
Sunday 星期天	10:00 am – 9.30 pm 早上十点至晚上九点半	Table Tennis 乒乓	3rd Floor (Table Tennis Hall) 三楼（乒乓礼堂）

Updated in June 07

Contact Us

Our Address:
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The Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE)
19 Toa Payoh West
Singapore 318876
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Tel: (65) 63537159
Fax: (65) 63537148

Electronic mail General Information: admin@sage.org.sg

Join SAGE Today!

You can join our:

Corporate Membership at S$5000.00 per year
Ordinary Membership at S$24.00 per year*only applicable to those 50 years and above
Associate Membership at S$24.00 per year*only applicable to those below 50 years of age
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Click here for the membership form.

There would also be an additional adminstration fee for S$3.00.
We'd also need 3 passport size photographs for your membership card.
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Please address cheque payment for membership fees to "Singapore Action Group of Elders" and mail it back to
"19 Toa Payoh West Singapore 318876".

You Can Help Us

You can help us by
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Volunteering

Counselling Centre Helpline Service/Volunteer Training and Development
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To recruit more Volunteers to serve the Centre's toll-free Helpline, anyone above 25 years of age, able to speak English/Mandarin and at least one dialect, available during office hours and interested to volunteer, may call Jonathan at Tel: 6354 1191. Training will be provided.
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Donations
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To Donate
You can donate by sending a cheque to us payable to Singapore Action Group of Elders or SAGE
An official receipt will be issued.
Mail to:
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Singapore Action Group of Elders
19 Toa Payoh West
Singapore 318876

Our Services

We provide a variety of programmes, services and benefits for our members and members of the public through our Centres:

• Acupuncture Centre
• Centre for the Study of Ageing (CENSA)
• Continuing Education Centre
• Counselling Centre
• Employment Centre
• "Community Services" Centre

The History of SAGE

SAGE was given birth in 1977 by the committee members of the Jogging Association of Singapore (JAS) under the leadership of Mr. Chan Chee Seng the then Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Affairs as it was known at that time. One evening after our usual jog, Chee Seng suggested that we formed an association for our elderly to keep them healthy and happy.
The name of the organization " Singapore Action Group of Elders" was suggested and adopted since the acronym -(SAGE)- suggested a wise elderly person. Our first meeting and subsequent meetings were held at Jalan Besar Community Activities Centre which was officially opened on 1st January 1978 by the then Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Ahmad Mattar. Since then we have been celebrating SAGE's Anniversary on 1st January every year. The 2nd Centre named SAGE Cultural Centre was opened on 1st January 1979 at Block 2 Kitchener Road by Mr. Chan Chee Seng, the founder of SAGE, and the then Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs.
The idea which contributed to the setting up of these two centres was a simple one i.e. to keep our elderly healthy and happy by exercises and songs. We conducted taiji, table tennis and a set of simple callisthenics exercises for the elderly developed by the Singapore Sports Council. SAGE's table tennis group is an acknowledged pillar in the veteran table tennis arena. Under MCDS Active Seniors Programme and with its support, a core group of retired state players and coaches now regularly play matches at selected secondary schools and selected community centres/clubs.
The songs were usually the old songs, which the elderly enjoyed when they were young. They brought back nostalgic memories of their youth, which contributed, to their emotional health. The highlight of those years were the birthday parties organized by SAGE for members whose birthdays occurred during that particular month. Our Senior Citizens Talentime Contests were hugely popular in the beginning and our members were thrilled when they saw their pictures in the newspaper. SAGE tours to China in 1991 and 1993 were the landmarks in those years when our members performed on stage with Senior Citizens of Southern and Central China. A dramatic moment occurred in the 1993 trip when one of our members started to have profuse rectal bleeding while waiting in Nanjing Airport. He had to be transported by ambulance to a hospital reserved for high government officials. My wife and I accompanied him in Nanjing while the rest of the group continued the journey to Beijing. After two days, his bleeding stopped and we joined the group in Beijing in time for our return to Singapore.
Since them, SAGE has come a long way.With a rapidly ageing population, SAGE as a VWO for the elderly, has set a 3 year Direction (2001-2003) to provide a comprehensive set of services and programmes for the elderly. It has identified public education, training for both professionals, carers and the public, providing programmes and services to plug service gaps, employment etc as priorities for the next 3 years. It moves in tandem with policy directions arising out of the report of the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Ageing Population.
An acupuncture clinic for elderly is operational since September 1999. SAGE will continue to provide quality eldercare services and provide new programmes and training modules in the years ahead. We are exerting all our efforts to put Singapore on the International Map on Ageing for we shall be hosting the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) 7th Global Conference on Ageing from 5 - 8th September 2004.