by Nur Dianah Suhaimi

More devices for elderly Singaporeans are needed and the Government is calling for inventors to step forward.

Approved projects will be given seed money to design and test gadgets to help people cope with ageing.

This is the second call for proposals since a $3 million fund was launched last year as part of the Silver Community Test-Bed Programme.

Easier workouts for the elderly

When 58-year-old Jimmie Lee visited the gym to exercise, he often found the equipment not suitable for him.

The weight machine looked overwhelming, and the digital readings on the treadmills were often too small.

Realising there were many others like him, the businessman decided two years ago to expand the offerings of his fitness equipment firm, Dynaforce International.

Study whatever catches your fancy

No other local educational institution seems more keen on promoting life-long learning than SIM University (UniSIM).

Since January last year, the private university has been offering 150 courses under its General Studies programme for senior citizens.

The courses range from languages to finance and fine arts. Last year, 87 people signed up, 31 of them 50 years old and above.

Seniors prefer slower-paced tours

Tour groups are known for their jam-packed itineraries. So when JP International Travel entered the competitive market 11/2 years ago, it decided to focus on an often-neglected group of people - the elderly.

It offers tours which are slower-paced and punctuated by frequent toilet breaks.

Tour coaches can accommodate wheelchair-bound customers and meals are kept healthy.

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