Yoyo programmes for active ageing centres
Never too old
to learn a trick.
Silver Gen Yoyo brings structured, senior-friendly yoyo classes to active ageing centres across Singapore. Every trick works seated, every participant gets a yoyo to keep, and every programme ends with a showcase.
- 12sessions per level
- 3progressive levels
- 87age of our oldest performer
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As featured in
- The Straits Times
- Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报
- Mediacorp Channel 8
About us
A simple toy, doing serious work.
Silver Gen Yoyo is the seniors programme of the Yoyo Association of Singapore. We run structured yoyo classes built specifically for older adults — not a one-off demonstration, but a twelve-session course that takes a complete beginner to a stage performance.
Every trick we teach can be done sitting down. Sessions are paced for mixed mobility, run by two trainers so nobody waits long for help, and built around small wins — the first sleeper, the first time the string comes back on cue.
In 2024, we worked with the Lien Foundation's Seniors Go! initiative to teach 42 seniors from three active ageing centres, culminating in a public showcase at Changi Simei Community Club. Our oldest performer that day was 87.
Why yoyo
Four things happening at once.
A yoyo throw is a full-loop task: plan it, execute it, watch it, correct it. Repeat that for an hour and a lot is going on.
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Coordination & dexterity
Left-right hand coordination and hand-eye timing, trained through repetition — the same control behind buttoning a shirt or pouring tea steadily.
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Memory & problem-solving
Learning a trick means holding a sequence in mind and recalling it a week later, then working out why it isn't landing yet.
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Confidence
Every programme builds towards a showcase. Standing up and performing a skill you didn't have twelve weeks ago changes how people see themselves.
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Social connection
Group choreography, partner tricks and a shared learning curve. Everyone starts as a beginner together, which is a great equaliser.
The programme
Three levels, twelve sessions each.
Participants start at Basic and progress at their own pace. Each level runs twelve two-hour sessions with two breaks built in.
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Level 1 Basic
Basic Yoyo Class
Build fundamental yoyo skills while enhancing eye-hand coordination, confidence and social engagement.
- How to prepare a yoyo
- 10 basic yoyo tricks
- Basic yoyo maintenance
Every participant receives a complimentary beginner yoyo to keep.
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Level 2 Intermediate
Intermediate Yoyo Class
Strengthen coordination and introduce teamwork through group yoyo choreography.
- 10 intermediate yoyo tricks
- Introduction to group choreography
- Introduction to other forms of yoyo play
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Level 3 Advanced
Advanced Yoyo Class
Introduce unresponsive yoyo play, freestyle trick creation and creative expression.
- Exposure to unresponsive yoyo play
- Introduction to freestyle yoyo play
- Yoyo trick creation
Requires an upgraded yoyo, purchased separately.
Gallery
Two years of sessions.
Click any photo to see it full size. All of these are our own sessions, at centres across the island.
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In motion
Photos only get you so far.
Short clips from real sessions. They play silently — click any one to watch it larger.
Watch
Seniors take on the yo-yo.
The Lien Foundation followed our programme from first throw to final showcase.
Seniors Take on the Yo-Yo! — produced by the Lien Foundation.
Channel 8 came to a session too
Footage: Mediacorp Channel 8, Frontline.
In the news
People noticed.
Our seniors have been covered by Singapore's national press and broadcast media — usually because someone in their eighties did something nobody expected.
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The Straits Times
Why you should take up a hobby
Featured participants from Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Hougang) and THK Active Ageing Centre @ Cassia.
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联合早报 Lianhe Zaobao
87岁奶奶玩摇摇 年龄从不是界限
On our oldest performer, then 87 — “age is never a limit”.
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联合早报 Lianhe Zaobao
玩摇摇炫技巧 连氏基金活动助年长者保持活跃
Coverage of the Lien Foundation showcase at Changi Simei Community Club.
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Mediacorp Channel 8
News feature
Broadcast interview with participants during a session.
“Everyone thrives when challenged, seniors included.”
Latest updates
Follow along on Instagram
New sessions, new tricks, new faces — posted as they happen.
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Bring Silver Gen Yoyo to your centre.
Tell us a little about your centre and we'll come back with available slots. Happy to run a taster session first so your seniors can try before committing.