Pursuing an active ageing lifestyle

"I learnt to communicate better and be more patient and understanding towards my family and friends."

 

It was a memorable experience for 65-year-old Madam Susan Teo when she dressed up as Marilyn Monroe at her Chingay gig last year. After all, her passion for the arts and learning is undeniable.

 

Madam Teo has always been interested with the performing arts, especially in singing. Therefore, at her friend’s suggestion, she joined a karaoke group after her retirement. Since then, she had also signed up for courses under the National Silver Academy (NSA), such as Choir Singing Voice Training by SACE and Express Yourself – Theatre Workshop by Society for WINGS. During these classes, she learned to play the ukulele and undergone voice-training to further develop her skills.

 

"Learning about song structure, voice projection and breathing techniques made me more confident about singing in public and I can better express myself through songs," said Madam Teo who is now more confident of her public singing ability.

 

Spreading Happiness in the Community

 

Putting what she has learnt into good use, Madam Teo enjoys volunteering and would sing regularly at old folks’ homes as she found fulfilment in bringing happiness to others.

 

Madam Teo also participated in another NSA course HappinessAct under the Society for WINGS. At HappinessAct, women are encouraged to embrace ageing. Topics covered includes self-awareness, self-esteem and relationship building.

 

"I learnt to communicate better and be more patient and understanding towards my family and friends," stressed Madam Teo.

 

Expanding Social Networks

 

Today, Madam Teo is a strong advocate of pursuing an active ageing lifestyle with her friends. Even with her actively volunteering and attending courses, Madam Teo strongly believes in striking a balance between spending time with her family and maintaining her social life.

 

When asked about her philosophy on ageing, she is clear on where her priorities lie, said Madam Teo, "There is so much to learn and such a wide range of activities to take part in that I now have to make sure I have time for my family, exercise and rest!"

 

**Special thanks to Madam Susan Teo who accepted our interview, we wish her all the very best in her lifelong learning journey.

 

For a full list of short courses, click here.

 

For a full list of exam-free modules, click here.

 

For a list of ad hoc learning opportunities, click here.