The Oct 17 meeting is OFF. This is because many SilverHairsClub members are working during the planned time. Also, the date is not suitable to many. Instead, for those who have responded to the meeting, I have arranged individual or smaller group meetings. To share with members,
1. It is important I express the thinking and objectives of setting up such a group for Singaporeans over 45 years old. I am 50, singaporean. I am aware there are a few retirees clubs in Singapore, Community clubs and small social groups. Overall the last 10 years, I have noticed a change in the living behaviour and expectations of the SilverHairs group. The financial crisis has changed the Asian market conditions and the thinking of companies in general. Singapore has changed dramatically and while the over 45s are knowledgeable, experienced and financially capable, they have a tougher life ahead, compared to their predecessors. There are a lot of debates on this, but I feel strongly these group can have a better life ahead. Some are pessimistic over the future, and resigned to current lifestyles.
2. I feel the SilverHairs has a great future. I am an optimistic person. I believe that the wealth of knowledge and experience would put these SilverHairs into a category of society that can benefit themselves further and provide a more stimulating life. As a group, SilverHairs are in a stronger position to work together a future for themselves. I am a non believer of a “do nothing” lifestyle for over 45s and retirees. As someone who has seen colleaques retiring and then fading into a aimless lifestyle, I see mentally sad souls in many of this age group. But, of course, there are also contented ones. And, we have some very optimistic individuals among us.
3. The objective of the SilverHairsClub is clear. It will provide a platform for over 45s to meet and make new friends. Different individuals have different desires and interest. They could just be looking for regular chit chats, some are looking for jobs, some looking to find small business partners and some just looking for common hobbies and travel companions. So far, we have a number of match makers, event organisers and membership promoters. Most of the organising and groupings of interest will be managed by these groups of key people. But, SHC will keep growing its membership so that the newer and different interest groups can have continued or even changing interests.
There would be monthly meets or activities, but these will be general activities – social, some makan and opportunities to exchange thoughts. At this level, the gatherings are intended to be large.
As the group gets bigger, we will add a new group of key people to generate corporate interest. But this will be done sometime next year. The idea is to grow the group, a thousand is the target. And, I believe it can get bigger.
4. The advantage of this group is the fast communication. All SilverHairs use email. I see many as not net savvy though. I plan to add SMS very soon. We also have the services of Ms Pranita, who will manage the database. She is based in India.
For cost reasons, we avoid the use of printed newsletters and phone calls..
5. Language-wise, I see strong English skills among the group. But as my Chinese is not strong, I am looking for strong Chinese skills supporters.
6. For a physical club presence, I am not supporting it at this stage, as it will unnecessarily strain the growing organisation, cost wise.
But, a regular place is good, and I am still exploring.
7. Club registration. Once the team is formed, we should register the club. The club would not support sex, religious, racial, direct sales/MLM and political activities.
Some of the agenda, topics of discussion with individual and smaller groups would include:
1. Areas of cooperation and support.
2. Activities suited to the group – keeping members young at heart. Special focus on outdoor activities.
3. Use of suggested places for large meetings.
4. Getting to know one another.