Singapore’s Senior Cheerleaders Redefine Ageing with Joy and Energy

At 77, Lydia Lee took to the stage for her first cheerleading performance, defying stereotypes about ageing with every spirited move. Dressed in a vibrant blue and white outfit, she and her teammates from Rah Rah, Singapore’s first senior cheerleading squad, captivated audiences at the World Ageing Festival on April 8, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. With red pom-poms in hand, they danced, spun, and grooved in sync, proving that vitality knows no age limit.

A Groundbreaking Squad

Rah Rah, a 60-member team with ages ranging from 59 to 82, made their debut after three months of dedicated weekly practice. Twenty members, including Ms. Lee, performed a complex routine on stage, while others danced among the audience, creating a lively spectacle. The initiative, spearheaded by Ageing Asia founder Janice Chia, 46, drew participants from her network of 10,000 seniors across Ageing Asia and Aspire55, a social health club for those over 50. Supported by Aspire55 and Nestlé, the seniors received professional choreography training, transforming their enthusiasm into a polished performance.

For Ms. Lee, a retired primary school teacher, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. “I’m retired, and I’m free from family commitments” she said. “I’m single and I live alone, so I have a lot of time.” Despite struggles with gradual hearing loss, she practiced daily using videos from instructor Nah Jieying, a dancer and choreographer. “I forced myself to learn to be good in it” she admitted, reflecting on her determination to master the three-minute routine.

Building Bonds and Breaking Barriers

The cheerleading squad offered more than just physical activity; it fostered a sense of community. Ms. Lee, one of the oldest members, appreciated the patience and support of her teammates. “I think I’m one of the most senior in the group, so they accommodated me. They would help me and remind me” she said. Post-practice gatherings for tea, coffee, and dinner turned strangers into friends, adding a social dimension to the experience. After the performance, she expressed quiet pride: “I tried my best” she said with a coy smile.

Vincent Ng, 68, one of the four men in the squad and a freelance fitness trainer, highlighted the collective spirit of the group. “There’s no need to shine. People won’t point you out one by one, but see the overall performance. And if, at your age, you can do this, it’s already appreciated” he said. For Mr. Ng, who is also single, the challenge was a way to stay active and avoid complacency. “If life is too easy, we turn lazy. You won’t feel like doing anything” he noted.

A Festival of Innovation and Inclusion

The World Ageing Festival, hosted by Ageing Asia on April 8 and 9, 2025, drew 6,000 participants from over 50 countries. Now in its 16th year, the event featured discussions on brain health, longevity, financial security, and age-inclusive workforce policies, alongside innovations in eldercare technology and wellness. Seniors played an active role, from manning booths to ushering and coordinating performances. Ms. Chia emphasized the importance of empowering older adults with new skills and opportunities, including “micro jobs” for task-based work. “What we want to do is to empower seniors with new skills, so they can go out there and teach other seniors” she said.

Participants who helped at the festival received allowances, with some earning $15 per hour and others getting $50 plus meal vouchers for at least five hours of daily work. This approach not only valued their contributions but also offered a small income boost, reinforcing the festival’s mission of inclusion.

Personal Triumphs and Broader Aspirations

For Ms. Lee, staying active is a deliberate choice to maintain her health and independence as she nears her 80s. “No one will look after me if I don’t take care. I don’t wish to burden other people. So as much as I can, I will keep myself fit” she said. Her days are filled with activities, from volunteering at the Aspire55 booth to weekly drumming sessions—a continuation of her record-breaking performance at the 2024 festival, where 300 seniors and preschoolers set a world record for the largest Swiss ball drumming event.

Her involvement in community events like the Chingay street parade and the Purple Parade, which promotes disability inclusion, reflects a broader trend of seniors seeking purpose through engagement. Ms. Chia actively encourages this mindset, often asking seniors about their dreams and offering diverse activities like drumming and cheerleading. “We are trying to create ways to find different purposes, different aspirations. I think seniors need to be invited to things” she said.

Redefining Ageing with Fun

Ms. Lee’s philosophy encapsulates the spirit of Rah Rah and the World Ageing Festival. “Stay alive, be active, have fun while ageing. While we are growing old, don’t bury yourself in misery. Go and explore. Fun has no boundaries” she said with a laugh. Her words resonate as a reminder that age is no barrier to joy or discovery. After performances, while her teammates headed home or to lunch, Ms. Lee stayed on to volunteer, filling her days with purpose. “Now that I’ve got all these places to go and all these places to ‘play’, I enjoy a better life than before” she reflected.

As initiatives like Rah Rah gain traction, they challenge societal perceptions of ageing, showcasing seniors not as passive retirees but as vibrant contributors to community life. With every cheer and dance step, they inspire others to embrace later years with energy and enthusiasm, proving it’s never too late to have fun.