Never too old to bust some moves - senior citizens “Zumba” with Health Minister at Silver Fiesta 2013

 

YMCA of Singapore and Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) will be rallying some 200 elderly for a mass Zumba dance as part of Silver Fiesta 2013 from 14-15 November 2013 at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. 

The two-day event aims to promote active ageing and create health awareness amongst the elderly. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, will be gracing the event. Besides giving a speech and touring the event activities and exhibits, Mr Gan who is also Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Ageing, will also be participating in the ‘Zumba Gold!’ mass dance together with the elderly.

‘Zumba Gold!’ is based on the Latin American Zumba dance fitness programme known for its zesty Latin music and exhilarating but easy-to-follow moves. ‘Zumba Gold!’ is conducted at a slower pace and lower impact moves to suit seniors, especially those who are journeying towards a healthier lifestyle in their later years.

Besides Zumba dancing, other event highlights include:

• Free health screenings and health talks by National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
• Teochew and Shanghainese opera performances
• Opera cosplay and instant photo booth
• A kampong games booth

Mr Stephen Loh, President, YMCA of Singapore said, “Through the event, we hope to bring cheer to the elderly by engaging them in various activities that are designed to promote the development of a healthier body, mind and spirit. We also want to reach out to more beneficiaries and rally more volunteers to our cause. Since its establishment in 1902, YMCA of Singapore has been striving to enrich the lives of all members of the community, regardless of race, language or religion, through wholesome programmes. We hope that the seniors will enjoy themselves at the event, especially in the company of all the youth volunteers who will be mobilised to befriend them.”

Mr Gan Choon Kiat, Deputy General Manager, Central Singapore CDC, added, “The Silver Fiesta is an annual initiative that Central Singapore CDC is happy to support. Not only is the event a good platform to encourage a spirit of volunteerism among youth, it also provides them with an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the older generation.”

Other partners for Silver Fiesta 2013 include the Agency for Integrated Care – which will be setting up a booth for elderly beneficiaries to apply for the CHAS card – and the Singapore Memory Project which will be collecting memories.

600 youth volunteers will help out at the event which is expected to benefit 500 elderly folk from 26 Seniors Activity Centres and attended by 2,000 members of the public.