Silver Shades Of Grey: Memos For Successful Ageing In The 21st Century

'We are only old once,' concludes Dr Kanwaljit Soin in this highly readable, informative, entertaining, and inspiring collection of memos on ageing. She describes the art and science of successful ageing, reminding us that, ultimately, ars moriendi (the art of dying) is really ars vivendi (the art of living). Wonderful reading for those who want to celebrate life at any age! -- Dr Astrid Tuminez, Regional Director, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft (Southeast Asia)

Dr Kanwaljit Soin is a Woman for All Ages. She is compassionate, inclusive and clear-eyed about problems that face us; a doer, not an arm-chair theorist; a tireless champion of the underdog. Above all, she celebrates life in all its complexity. Any book by her will be engaging, exhilarating and, above all, life-enhancing. -- Dr Geh Min Environmentalist and former Nominated Member of Parliament (Jan 2005 Apr 2006)

This book is literally everything you ever wanted to know about growing old. But Dr Soin does not bore you to old age. Her message is optimistic and hopeful: Don't be afraid of growing old, and don't be afraid of other people growing old. But, first, you need to read this book. -- Han Fook Kwang, Editor-At-Large, The Straits Times and Senior Fellow, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies

Ageing is a multi-faceted process. This book covers a wide range of topics on ageing as part of an individual's life course and as part of the demographic transition taking place in many populations of the world. Drawing from some recent advancements in biological and medical sciences, social research findings and evidence-based practices of active and healthy ageing, Dr Soin has helped dispel myths and prejudices against ageing, advocated special attention to gender inequalities in ageing, and pointed to how individuals and policy-makers can harness the qualities of ageing for continuous human growth and social development. The text is peppered with wittiness and encouragement that nourishes the human spirit. The chapters are to be reflected upon and savoured, but not to be read in one single breath. -- Dr Aline Wong, sociologist and former Minister of State for Health, Singapore

In her inimitable style of providing thoughtful, humorous insights backed by credible research, Kanwaljit's collection of bite-sized chapters are endearing yet serious. She makes a convincing case that while one must understand the realities of ageing, the potential of the older mind as a force for creative change and genius is historically proven. If ever there was a primer on ageing and its trials and triumphs, this is it! -- Sylvia Lim Member of Parliament and Chair of Workers' Party, Singapore

Are you a young person? Middle-aged? Old? It doesn't really matter. Each of us grows older every second. Most of us age without taking charge of our life course, without a plan for our ageing. This book offers some operating instructions for life, a guide to engaging passionately with age!

Dealing with a plethora of subjects, such as health, happiness, loneliness, dementia, sex, gender, marriage, abuse, respect, wage, wealth, class, and care, the book touches on how ageing affects us as individuals and as a society.

It explores a few of the mysteries and miracles of life, and some of its myths. It encourages us to cope creatively with the mundaneness of our continuing life.

The author invites you to join her as she delves into these questions about life and ageing with curiosity and contemplation, and with a sense of awe and adventure.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin is a practising medical specialist and was Singapore's first female Nominated Member of Parliament. She is a founder of many civil society organisations including WINGS (Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully) and AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research). She was a global ambassador of UK-based HelpAge International which serves disadvantaged older people worldwide. She has served as a board member of Washington University International Advisory Council for Asia. She has also been a jury member for the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

In 2000, she was presented the Women Who Make a Difference Award by the International Women's Forum, Washington DC In 2006, Dr Soin was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (Unifem) Singapore for her selfless contribution to society, especially towards the less advantaged. She was named Singapore's Her World Woman of the Year in 1992, and in 2014 she was inducted to the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame.