Agency for Integrated Care launches its exhibition with photographs that redefine what it means to age in Singapore.

 

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) unveiled its “Break the Silver Ceiling: One Photo at a Time” exhibition at Our Tampines Hub. Held in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons, the event will run till October 6, 2024.

The exhibition showcases the vitality of today’s seniors through a collection of impactful visuals. From showcasing seniors in sports and fitness to exploring their vibrant lifestyles and learning pursuits, the photographs redefine what it means to age in Singapore.

Launched by AIC Chairman Dr Gerard Ee, the exhibition is part of the “Break the Silver Ceiling” movement which AIC kicked off earlier this year. With the aim of dispelling age-related stereotypes, this movement seeks to redefine what ageing in Singapore is like. It also aligns with the national initiative Age Well SG, which aims to support seniors to age actively, stay socially connected, and be cared for within their communities.

Shared Dr Ee, during his launch speech, “In the news and on social media, you can see plenty of content where seniors are depicted as weak and frail. Out of good intentions, society has put up guardrails – or invisible “silver ceilings” that dictate what seniors should and should not do. But we should rebrand the entire notion of ageing. Being a senior is not limiting, but opens up possibilities which may not have been available when we were younger.

“Breaking such silver ceilings is something very close to my heart. As a society, we need to see the potential and capability of everyone, regardless of age. We should not be defined by our age. I am now 75 years of age, it is just a number. We need to reshape traditional perceptions about seniors and ageing. What we should be doing is to celebrate the vibrancy and vitality of our silver years.”

AIC collaborated with four local photographers, Aik Beng Chia, Amiera Raushan, Mindy Tan and Zantz Han, to capture photographs of seniors who challenge traditional perceptions of how ageing or seniors look. The photographs are available on an online photo bank at www.breakthesilverceiling.com/photobank/, and showcased at the “Break the Silver Ceiling: One Photo at a Time” exhibition.

One of the photographs shows Tan Li Leng, aged 67, pole-dancing with her friend, Sudha Muthukrishnan, aged 69. Taking up the sport a few years ago, Tan is now a pole-dancing instructor as well. Other photographs include 74-year-old Doris Tang, an active volunteer and participant at her neighbourhood’s Active Ageing Centre, who was photographed volunteering in food distribution, as well as Raymond Wong, aged 68, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who was photographed playing various musical instruments.

A photo contest held from August 21 to September 15, 2024 also called for the public to contribute their own photos of seniors breaking silver ceilings through pursuing their diverse passions under three themes – sports and fitness, lifestyle and leisure, and learning. Close to 200 entries were received. Selected photos of the three winning photographers are also showcased in the exhibition. One of those photographers is 74-year-old Liew Kum Chiew who captured a photograph of Sajeev Lal, 60, who began his passion for photography when he was 15 years old after teaching himself how to use a film camera. Today, Sajeev specialises in portrait photography, catering to migrant workers, and runs his own photo studio. Kum Chiew on the other hand, spends his retirement keeping active by going on walks, spends time with grandchildren and continues capturing everyday life with his camera.

Dinesh Vasu Dash, CEO of AIC, said of the campaign, “Singapore’s demography is shifting and it is time to embrace our later years as a new chapter of life. This campaign is not just about showcasing the remarkable vitality of our seniors; it’s about shifting societal attitudes and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. By redefining what ageing looks like, we hope to inspire others to see the potential and possibilities in every individual, regardless of their age. Together, let’s break the silver ceiling and make Singapore a city for all ages.”

Besides viewing the photographs in the exhibition, there are two free photography events for seniors on October 2, 2024. They are conducted by a local online community that connects seniors called SilverStreak, in partnership with Sony Singapore. The photo walks will introduce participants to essential camera skills and photography tips, as well as photographing human subjects and places.

From October 4 to 6, 2024, visitors can also get a free sketched portrait of themselves drawn by Singapore Polytechnic students, depicting them in their silver years, at the exhibition.

Find out more about the “Break the Silver Ceiling: One Photo at a Time” exhibition at www.breakthesilverceiling.com/exhibition/.

(** PHOTO CREDITS: Agency for Integrated Care)