Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health at the Lions Club of Singapore Reflection & Appreciation for 5,000 Elderly in Celebration of SG50 on 28 June

Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Richard Khoo

District Governor, Lions Club of Singapore, Mr Leslie Yong

Distinguished members of the Lions Club of Singapore community

Seniors, volunteers and friends

A very good afternoon.

2.            I am very happy to join you today for Lions’ Centennial celebration, and to appreciate our volunteers and friends of Lions’ Club who have become an extraordinary force for social good in Singapore over the last 50 years  and more.

3.            As we celebrate SG50 this year, we also pay tribute to the pioneers who are with us this afternoon. Our pioneers have worked hard to build their families, community and our nation over the last fifty years, and it is fitting for them in their senior years to live well and age gracefully.

4.            In the next 50 years, Singapore’s population will age more rapidly. Our vision is to build a Nation for All Ages, one where our seniors can age well, with peace of mind, and where seniors can age actively in an inclusive society.

5.            Over the years, the Lions Club of Singapore has played a critical role in supporting successful ageing in Singapore.  The Lions Club of Singapore runs seven Senior Activity Centres where seniors can drop by to meet and mingle with one another, and take part in social activities and health programmes, such as vision and hearing checks, exercise and outings.

6.            Through its befriending services, some 1,200 volunteers with Lions Befrienders have reached out to more than 4,500 isolated or lonely seniors to provide social support and friendship for seniors.  Mdm Tay Soon Cheh is one such shining example of a senior who has been actively involved in the community. Mdm Tay can be found at the Bendemeer Senior Activity Centre five days a week, or at other SACs in Mei Ling and Tampines. She takes the effort to visit seniors in their homes to encourage them to join the SAC activities, and to involve them in the community. Beyond helping out at the SAC, Mdm Tay also goes the extra mile to help seniors run errands, and stay in touch with them through phone calls and home visits. She readily shares her knowledge of the seniors with newer volunteers, and helps to make the SACs a comfortable second home for seniors.

7.            I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Mdm Tay, and all the other dedicated volunteers of the Lions Club here. I would also like to thank the Lions Club, members and volunteers for your dedication and good work over the years, and in extending a helping hand to seniors so that they can age gracefully.

8.            On this note, thank you once again and have a wonderful afternoon.