Finance, Health

Here’s why ALL Singaporean Seniors Should Get Their CHAS Card Today!

CHAS or better known as the Community Health Assist Scheme, was intended to provide more convenient access to primary care providers and receive subsidies for medical and/or dental care at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics. Until now, the scheme was intended only for lower to middle income group ie. household per capita income below $1800/month or home with an annual value of less than $21,000. Beginning November this year, the new scheme is open to ALL Singaporeans and is divided into 3 tiers: Green, Orange and Blue cards with varying subsidies. Additionally, holders of Merdeka and Pioneer Generation cards receive CHAS subsidies regardless of income levels. Download this brochure.

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Politics

Next Election in Singapore: Top 5 Issues Seniors Should Care About

There is plenty to talk about an impending election in Singapore – perhaps one that would feature prominently the next generation of leaders. There is a lot at stake for Singapore given both internal and external challenges facing the country. As the most significant block of votes, seniors do have a big voice and carry a bigger stick with their votes. Here are 5 things you need to pay attention to:

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e-scooter PMD
Politics

It’s about time. LTA finally bans e-scooters from ALL footpaths.

LTA’s decision to ban e-scooters from ALL footpath was a good but inevitable decision. It’s about time that the decision is made. For more than two years since the Active Mobility Act was passed in Parliament in February 2017 to allow the use of Personal Mobility Devices(PMDs) on public paths, pedestrians particularly the more vulnerable seniors and kids have been terrified by irresponsible PMD riders. Apart from the rising number of injuries resulting from PMDs, it has been grossly unfair to the millions of pedestrians to have to live in fear of PMDs going at high speeds even in void-decks and HDB estates. Here are things that the government can do more.

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Food, Travel

Bad Food Reviews: Here are 5 Ways to Spot Them.

Like me, you probably need a little help deciding where to eat when you travel (or even at home). In the past, I often ask the concierge but often end up with recommendations for pricey and higher end restaurants. However, when I travel, I prefer to check out good local restaurants for a little flavour and adventure. Here is where I rely on my smartphone apps to guide me – my two favorite apps are Tripadvisor and Google, but there are many more that offer user reviews.

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Travel

Playing the Ride-Hailing Game to Get the Cheapest Ride

I have written some time back that ride-hailing is one of the best things that happened to the silver community – it not only offers an opportunity to ditch your car, but also an easy way to become more independent. Once you get used to the various apps in your smartphone, there are a few things you need to know about ride hailing and how to get the cheapest ride in town at the right time! Here are some tips:

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Tech, Travel

On Your Next Holiday, Your Phone Camera can be a Lifesaver!

There are many things that can go wrong with your holiday abroad especially when there are disputes with airlines, hotels, travel insurance and car rental companies. Many of these disputes play out after you return home or when you receive your next credit bill. Your smartphone camera can truly be a lifesaver – just take lots of photos (not just selfies or scenery!).

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Travel

Travelling to Hong Kong? Make Sure You e-Register with Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MFA)

At time of writing, according to MFA: “Singaporeans are advised to defer non-essential travel to Hong Kong, given current developments.” That means you should defer taking a holiday to Hong Kong or even for business, if it is not important enough to take the risk. Hong Kong is undergoing the most serious civil unrest since its return to China in 1997 and it shows no signs of ending anytime soon. In fact, shots were fired by police for the first time yesterday and the situation has escalated to using water canons. Here are the “must dos” if you are going to HK:

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Politics

NDP 2019: Much Needed Retirement Policy to Reflect Changing Demographics

The policy recently announced at the NDP 2019 Rally by the Prime Minister is overdue and the right one. For the senior citizen community, such a policy will support them working a few more years and allow them to put away more savings when they do retire. The legal retirement age will go up to 63 in 2022 and 65 in 2030 – a slow phased-in approach to allow employers and employees ample time to adjust to the policy changes. Here are the reasons why seniors should welcome this policy.

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Finance

Condo Living: Beware of the Terrible MCST

Everyone who lives in a condo in Singapore knows how important their MCST and/or management is. Since the voting to elect the MCST is done at the AGM based on the principle of “one-unit-one-vote”, and normally only a fraction of the owners tends to attend the AGM, a minority well-organized group can “seize control” of the MCST by collecting the required number of proxy votes. In Singapore, this has given rise to some horror stories of out-of-control MCSTs. So retirees beware – if you are planning to enjoy your retirement in a condo, make sure you do due diligence of the type of MCST that is controlling your condo!

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Health

Where Would You Live When You Grow Old?

When we grow older, our living needs will change and we will likely require more help. With God’s blessings, as long as you remain mobile and healthy, you will be able to do many things for yourself – and live independently. But as time passes, things will change that will require us to think about our living situation when we are no longer able to take care of ourselves. A lot depends on your ability to manage your normal day-to-day living activities. Here’s what you need to know.

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