Elderly saved millions with SG50 Seniors Package

Elderly saved millions with SG50 Seniors Package

More than 600,000 seniors have signed up for the SG50 Seniors Package since its launch in May.

The package, for citizens or permanent residents aged 60 and above, includes about 200 types of dining, leisure and lifestyle offers.

It was launched by the Ministerial Committee on Ageing to reward seniors who had contributed to Singapore's formative years. Some 700,000 seniors qualified for it.

Many used the package to enjoy discounted admission to attractions such as the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park.

More than 100,000 seniors got into the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay for free, and more than 25,000 accompanying caregivers had 50 per cent off their entrance tickets, the Ministry of Health said yesterday.

The package also has deals to encourage seniors to pick up new skills. About 650 free courses in topics from personal finance to technology were conducted, offering more than 11,000 places to those aged 50 and above.

As at end-November, more than 600,000 seniors had redeemed their Public Transport Voucher worth $50.

They also get a 30 per cent discount at participating Kopitiam stalls for every credit they use on their iCard, which has resulted in close to $4 million in savings. Next month, 500 additional credits will be loaded onto their iCards, which can be used till Feb 29 next year.

Except for the iCards and the SG50 Seniors Public Transport Vouchers, which expire on Dec 31 next year, most of the offers and privileges will come to an end as the Jubilee year draws to a close.

But supermarket chain FairPrice said yesterday it would extend its 3 per cent discount at all its outlets to customers who flash their Pioneer Generation card on Mondays till Dec 31 next year. Pioneers have saved $3.6 million in all since this discount began in October last year, it said.

Under the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, a PAssion Silver Card will be issued free to every citizen aged 60 and above in the second half of next year, giving them benefits over five years.

Part-time executive Madam Rajam Sadanandan, 68, who uses the Kopitiam iCard frequently, said: "As I needed to go to the hospital quite often recently, I used my Kopitiam iCard to get discounts on food and drink, which enabled me to save money."


This article was first published on December 22, 2015.
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