AN INDEPENDENT body which promotes active ageing has set aside $2 million to fund inter-generational programmes.

This was announced on Sunday by Deputy Prime Minster Wong Kan Seng at Grandparents' Day activites held at the Esplanade Park.

The money will come from the Council's $20 million Golden Opportunities Fund which was introduced in April 2006 to encourage more projects by seniors to promote an active lifestyle among them.

Organisations and individuals can submit proposals to the Council which will then decide if it will fund the programmes.

Mr Wong said in his speech, before taking part in a walk with his family members including his 3-year-old grandson,: 'We need to narrow the gaps between the younger and the older Singapore to promote inter-generational bonding. This means having platforms and opportunities where the young and old can play and interact.'