Podcasts for seniors hosted by seniors

The elderly in Singapore will have a new platform to air their views, as broadcaster Rediffusion releases online podcasts hosted by senior citizens.

The podcasts, the first of which will be released today, are meant to encourage active ageing through volunteering.

They are hosted by seven volunteers in their 50s and 60s, who were trained in vocalisation and interview skills by Rediffusion chairman Eeva Chang.

The hosts, from senior volunteer group RSVP Singapore, will do interviews on topics such as seniors in the workforce.

Said Mr Cyril Ong, 67, producer and one of the hosts: "We want this to be a platform for the voices of seniors to reach out to other seniors." The retired marketing directoralso hopes that the podcasts will foster dialogue between the generations.

Interviewees will include Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh, The Straits Times editor at large Han Fook Kwangand senior citizens sharing their experiences.

Host Sakina Hoosenally, 67, a yoga teacher, was moved by the story of an interviewee, an elderly woman paralysed in an accident who became a volunteer.

"It's important for older people to get out of the house and talk to people," she said. "You're not just helping the other person, you're helping yourself too."

The podcasts, about half an hour long, will be released every two monthson the RSVP and Rediffusion websites.

oliviaho@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Dec 12, 2014.
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