MADAM Aileen Tay, 63, is at the airport three times a week as a Changi Senior Ambassador, answering queries from tourists and helping them with their problems - even if she does no more than lend a listening ear.

She is also a mentor to primary school students once a week.

She is a member of RSVP Singapore - The Organisation of Senior Volunteers, which used to be known as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme.

The new name reflects a fresh emphasis on volunteerism and makes it easier for seniors to identify with the organisation, which has 1,200 members, of which nearly seven in 10 are retirees.

RSVP Singapore runs programmes that create volunteering opportunities for these senior citizens, ranging from being mentors to primary school students to teaching basic computer skills or video editing to other seniors.

Some bring their former work expertise into their volunteering, such as by doing consultancy work under RSVP's name to raise funds for the group, while others give their time in programmes that take them into new areas.

RSVP president Philbert Chin, 79, said at the organisation's rebranding on Monday: 'We will do everything we can to show that seniors are a national asset and never too old to make a difference.'

The guest of honour at the event was Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in Prime Minister's Office in charge of ageing issues. He called the name change 'timely', and noted that those now aged 45 to 64 are looking for openings for meaningful activities.

The word 'retirement' could be replaced by 'encore careers' if most people live to at least 80, he suggested.

He said to laughter and applause from the 100 RSVP volunteers and representatives from partner organisations present: 'You are as old as you think you are. Some people say the new 40 is 60.'

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.