Active Ageing Skills To Pick Up With The Skillsfuture Credit Top-Up

Ageing is inevitable. Yet, it should not hold us back from leading an active and fulfilling life. The secret to that is embracing the concept of active ageing. According to the World Health Organisation, active ageing is “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”, with learning identified as a key functional ability for ageing well. 

To continue learning and stay mentally alert, senior Singaporeans can use SkillsFuture Credit to pick up a range of skills, from art, music to languages, wellness and digital skills. 

Here are some SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses you can consider to kickstart your learning journey. 

1. Arts/Creative - Tune in to the artist within

When was the last time you picked up the pencil, tried your hands on a musical instrument, or learnt a new art technique? Whether you could give Picasso a run for his money or barely make it through a drawing, give your inner artist a chance to shine.   

Being “artistic” is not an exclusive trait reserved for the right-brained. Anyone can explore their creative side and catch on the many benefits that art offers. Engaging in art forms such as crafting, music, or any creative work has long been associated as art therapy. 

Nourishing the artistic side is one way of relieving stress and boosting cognitive health. Not only does art help to keep your brain sharp as you age, it also aids in opening up the heart and mind to possibilities. 

NSA - The Art of Smartphone Photography
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: The Photographic Society of Singapore
Course fee: $175
Find out more about the course here

Draw from the Creative Brain - Portraiture
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Republic Polytechnic
Course fee: $128.40
Find out more about the course here

NSA - Learn to Uke for Stress Relief 
Duration: 15 hours
Training provider: SACE
Course fee: $270
Find out more about the course here

SkillsFuture@PA (SA) Decoupage on Glass 
Duration: 3 hours
Training provider: Various Community Centres/Clubs
Course fee: $30

Find out more about the course here

2. Digital Literacy - Embracing technology for smart living

Digital inclusion has been the talk of the town in recent years. With COVID-19 accelerating digital transformation, the government has been stepping up efforts in getting seniors on board the digital bandwagon. To thrive in a smart nation, learn how you can use technology to your advantage and explore a world of convenience beyond the digital screen. 

Start by signing up for programmes and courses on digital skills tailored for seniors. After all, being equipped with these know-hows puts you in a better position of independence. 

Becoming a digitally savvy senior brings about many perks that you can enjoy. In just a few taps, you can enjoy the convenience of ordering takeaways on food delivery apps or making an online transaction. Plus, with services such as the TraceTogether app and upcoming smart mailboxes, the digital confidence you build up will make the transition much easier.

SIJ-RSVP - Skillsfuture For Digital Community / Basic Digital Skills
Duration: 6 hours
Training provider: RSVP Singapore
Course fee: $100
Find out more about the course here
 

NSA - Be a Social Media Savvy Senior 
Duration: 12 hours
Training provider: NUSS
Course fee: $240
Find out more about the course here

SkillsFuture@PA (SA) Introduction to Digital Banking Service
Duration: 3 hours
Training provider: Various Community Centres/Clubs
Course fee: $30
Find out more about the course here

Video Conference Mobile App for Beginners - Zoom
Duration: 3 hours
Training provider: Xiohoo
Course fee: $50
Find out more about the course here

3. Language Skills - Speak to connect

Picking up a new language can be useful in many ways. It can help you communicate with your friends from other ethnicities or countries. You might even be able to skip the subtitles on your favourite Korean drama series or read the labels on Japanese food products.

Learning a foreign language is widely encouraged among seniors. It has been proven to stimulate cognitive abilities such as semantic memory, speech segmentation, inductive reasoning and more. With much going on, language mastery turns out to be a great brain workout and an optimal activity for active ageing! 

Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now!
Duration: 5 hours
Training provider: Udemy
Course fee: $85
Find out more about the course here

SkillsFuture@PA French Language
Duration: 12 hours
Training provider: Various Community Clubs
Course fee: $130
Find out more about the course here

Japanese 1
Duration: 60 hours
Training provider: Singapore Polytechnic
Course fee: $610
Find out more about the course here

NSA - Hanyu Pinyin Workshop
Duration: 12 hours
Training provider: NUSS
Course fee: $240
Find out more about the course here

4. Health & Wellness - Age well into your golden years

Adopting healthy living habits, maintaining a balanced diet and being in a good mental state is key in active ageing. 

Learning a new skill can be an enjoyable process. From cooking to learning about therapeutic massages, we all can benefit from new knowledge about self-care and the importance of nutritional health.  

Your wellbeing depends on the choices you make. Age well into your golden years and learn how to take charge of your journey towards wellness and good health. 

NSA - Nutrition for Healthy Living
Duration: 24 hours
Training provider: Fei Yue Community Services
Course fee: $500
Find out more about the course here

TCM Meridian Wellness: Paediatric Massage Duration: 72 hours
Training provider: Science Arts TCM College Pte. Ltd.
Course fee: $180
Find out more about the course here

SkillsFuture@PA (SA) Golden Home Chef Hawker Delights
Duration: 3 hours
Training provider: Various Community Centres/Clubs
Course fee: $30
Find out more about the course here

NSA - Staying Well to Age Successfully
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Tsao Foundation
Course fee: $205
Find out more about the course here

Pick Up A New Skill Today

In the words of American comedian George Burns, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Learning a new skill is not restricted by age. Keep up with the ever-changing world and embrace active ageing with any of the above courses today.

What Is My SkillsFuture Credit Eligibility?

A $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up for those aged 25 and above, as at 31 December 2020, has been credited for all Singaporeans.

This additional SkillsFuture Credit will be valid for five years to encourage individuals to take timely action to learn, reskill. All unused credit from this SkillsFuture Credit will expire on 31 December 2025.

For more information about your SkillsFuture Credit, click here.