It is rare to come across an MZer (under 30) looking out for retired or retiring Boomers. Singaporean Kai Ning Lim has long felt motivated to help the Silver generation so she co-founded The Courage Chapter (TCC) offering equitable job-matching solutions for retired senior professionals.
“I see a lot of elderly people doing gruelling work... I’ve always felt compelled to help these vulnerable people who still want dignity and self-respect,” says Kai Ning. TCC helps mature employees transition into a retirement that is fulfilling, financially viable, and still gives them time to do what they love through meaningful “reternship” (pun for return to work) projects. Companies can leverage the years of experience of skilled seniors that can contribute to achieving overall business growth. It’s a win-win proposition.
Ruth Yu-Owen: Failures Fuel Success
"No one should apologise for being poor. It’s not a curse. You can change it. Through education, you can uplift yourselves and change your lives,” emphasises Ruth Yu-Owen. She carved her own path and persevered to achieve the changes she sought. She does not apologise for her humble beginnings and for her mistakes. She used both as stepping stones to survive, to succeed – and now fuel her to live in significance by paying it forward. “I’d like to believe that I’ve reached a stage in life where I’m better equipped to help achieve a sustainable future for some of the less privileged communities and a sustainable future for our environment.”
An Antidote to Ageing
Ageism is under-discussed. Yet, age is a potent benchmark by which people are judged to classify their abilities and capabilities, as Cathy Siapno shares in her anti-ageing antidote. If 50s is the new 30s, she is proof that there’s life after 50 and is living it with the same zeal as when she was in her 30s.
“The true measure of a man is how he treats others who can do nothing for him.”
- Samuel Johnson -
Nothing touches the human heart more than a compelling story that sparks hope, encouragement and good vibes. Many resonate with us. Others nudge us to take action. Some urge us to pause and ponder. A few restore our faith in humanity.
Weekly Sparks’ pursuit of enriching stories connects us to diverse communities of awe-inspiring individuals who open their hearts (some reluctantly) hoping that in sharing their struggles, pain and, eventually, triumphs someone out there can find the courage to pursue his/her aspirations.
We find such kinship with Women of the World. They are dreamers and believers. Their collective narrative of pushing boundaries and overcoming limitations is proof that anything is possible if we walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous and the doers. May their daring spirit ignite a fire within you.
Our Story is really about their stories. They reflect who we are at a deeper level, beyond roles and goals.