The show this year focuses on active learning, active lifestyle and active engagement.

 

The largest expo in Singapore for baby boomers and seniors, 50plus Expo, returns this year from March 22 to 24, 2013, at Hall 6 of the Singapore Expo. It will be graced by Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How from the Prime Minister’s Office, on March 23, 2013.

For this year, the fifth edition, the theme is “Live Well, Celebrate Life!” In keeping with this theme, there will be 30 public forum sessions and different activities to interest the growing seniors market.

Said Soh Swee Ping, CEO of Council for Third Age (C3A): “This is especially important in view of Singapore’s ageing population. The event will cater to seniors with its wide range of activities and learning sessions, ranging from ageing well and staying connected to society, to travel bargains and picking up new hobbies/interests.”

The Expo, spanning 10,000 sq m of gross space, is hosted by the C3A and organised by Pico Art International. C3A, which was set up in May 2007, champions active ageing in Singapore.

 

Public education zone

Besides the many exhibitors offering health and wellness products/services catering to seniors, there will be a public education zone featuring three areas. These are Learn (active learning), Connect (active lifestyle) and Engage (active engagement).

i) The LEARN zone is designed to encourage seniors to explore a healthy lifestyle by actively and continuously learning. By gaining new knowledge and cultivation of new skills in areas such as digital technology, creative arts and other fun activities, seniors can discover new interests and strengths. There will be showcases on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), workshops on using photo editing software, making your own ice cream, caricature drawing, and origami folding using recycled materials.

ii) The CONNECT zone will impress on seniors the importance of being socially-engaged so that they can share their values, traditions and wisdom within and between different generations and groups of people. Exciting events await them, including an intergenerational rock climbing challenge, bar flaring challenge, coffee appreciation workshops and Zumba workout sessions.

iii) At the ENGAGE zone, seniors can discover more of their potential and how staying in employment for as long as possible can help them stay connected to society and maintain their social circle. There will be interesting skits, interactive games and personalised employment optimisation sessions.

 

Public forum

There will also be public forums covering a myriad of topics including health, intimacy, nostalgia, finance and more. Some of these include:

• Boosting your brain power with tips on keeping the brain active and healthy.

• Growing up in Singapore in the 1950s and 1960 – kampong life, places of interest, 
school life.

• Eating the right foods to boost your immunity.

• Who gets the money? A talk on how your assets will be distributed if you do not 
have a valid Will.

• Avoidable eye conditions due to ageing.

• Ageing gracefully with TCM.

Visitors will also find other performances and activities running throughout the Expo at the stage area, such as an interactive Snakes and Ladders game and laughter therapy sessions.

Well-known personalities will provide their take on active ageing. Seniors will see Violet Oon, Singapore Food Ambassador and celebrity chef; Asia’s renowned music producer Lee Wei Song; and TV personality Catherine Sng.

The Expo will run from 11am till 9pm daily at the Singapore Expo Hall 6. Admission is free, and visitors may register online at www.50plussingapore.com.

 

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