SG50 seniors package proves popular

SINGAPORE – More than 600,000 out of some 700,000 seniors who are 60 years and above in Singapore redeemed their special privileges under SG50 Senior package since its launch in May, according to various partners working with the Ministerial Committee on Ageing.

The package, containing more than 200 types of dining, leisure, lifelong learning, lifestyle and wellness offers, was launched in recognition of the seniors’ contribution to nation building as the nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee and to encourage seniors to “Stay Active. Live Well,” the Ministry of Health said in a press release today (Dec 21).

As of end of November, over 600,000 seniors have redeemed their SG50 Seniors Public Transport Voucher worth S$50, sponsored by the SG50 Seniors package and the two public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT. Seniors can continue to redeem their vouchers at TransitLink Ticket Offices or Add Value Machines until Dec 31, 2016.

Under the Leisure deals, many seniors had taken advantage of discounted admission rates to attractions such as Singapore Zoo and Jurong Birdpark.

Over 100,000 seniors have enjoyed free entry to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, and over 25,000 accompanying caregivers also enjoyed 50 per cent off their entrance tickets to the conservatories.

Seniors aged 60 and above can continue to enjoy free entry to the Christmas Toyland floral display at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay till Dec 31, 2015.

The SG50 Seniors package also included free courses offered by the Council for Third Age’s senior learning partners to allow the seniors pick up new skills. About 650 courses were conducted, offering over 11,000 places to those aged 50 and above. More than 80,000 seniors have also tapped on the ActiveSG S$25 top-up, aimed at encouraging seniors to lead healthier lifestyles.

Kopitiam will extend its benefits for seniors for another two months. Seniors who have activated their iCards this year will see an additional 500 credits loaded into their iCards come Jan 1, 2016. These credits will be valid for use till Feb 29, 2016. To date, seniors have enjoyed close to S$4 million savings with the 30 per cent discount offered by the iCard at participating Kopitiam stalls.

Thanking the participating companies for their contributions in the seniors package, Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, said: “The SG50 Seniors package was a gift to our seniors which many of them have truly enjoyed. It is one of the first steps in a wider movement towards a community where seniors are respected and honoured. Under the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, we want to build upon the success of the SG50 Seniors Package and sustain this whole-of-society effort to jointly love and respect our seniors, for years to come.”

Except for the SG50 Seniors Public Transport Voucher and iCard discounts, the end of the Jubilee year will mark the end of the offers and privileges under the SG50 Seniors package.

However, under the new Action Plan for Successful Ageing, the government is planning for the launch of a PAssion Silver Card, which will be issued free to every Singaporean aged 60 and above in the second half of 2016. This is a joint project initiated by Ministry of Health in collaboration with People’s Association (PA) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF). The card is valid for five years, and card-holders will be entitled to year-long privileges and benefits, on top of the existing suite of PAssion Card privileges.