SINGAPORE - If numbers for the SG50 Seniors Package are anything to go by, Singapore's golden oldies have been having a ball of a time.

More than 27,000 senior citizens visited the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park in June, when all those aged 60 and above were given free entry as part of the nation's 50th anniversary celebrations.

More than 500,000 had redeemed public transport vouchers worth $50 each as of July 15.

And some 9,300 signed up for free courses between May and September offered under an initiative by the Council for Third Age to promote lifelong learning.

Due to popular demand, more courses have been started for the remaining months of the year.

Launched by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on May 22, the SG50 Seniors Package offers special discounts at selected institutions as a token of appreciation to Singapore's seniors.

It includes over 200 benefits, including discounted hotel rates, promotional dining meals, and learning courses targeted at the elderly.