A GROUP that promotes active ageing has set aside $2 million to fund inter-generational programmes over the next two years.

The money will come from the Golden Opportunities Fund set up by the Council for Third Age. The $20 million fund was introduced in April 2006 to encourage projects that promote an active lifestyle among seniors.

Organisations and individuals can submit their proposals to the Council.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, who took his three-year-old grandson to the Grandparents' Day activities organised by the Council around the Esplanade, announced this yesterday morning.

Before setting off on a 1.5km walk from the Esplanade Park with his family, he said in a speech: 'We need to narrow the gap between the younger and the older Singaporeans to promote inter-generational bonding. This means having platforms and opportunities where the young and old can play and interact.'

Inter-generational programmes that the council has supported include mentoring schemes and dialect lessons conducted in schools by senior citizens.

Council chairman Gerard Ee said bonding across generations is important not only in homes but also in workplaces as many companies have staff from different generations.

He said: 'The important thing is to ensure that people understand, in this day and age, organisations are made up of not just a single generation. A senior citizen who has kept himself or herself up to date has a lot of experience to impart that money cannot buy.'

About 4,900 grandparents and their family members took part in the activities, which included a walk, rides on the Singapore Flyer and live band performances.

AMELIA TAN