SINGAPORE – While active ageing centres typically cater to seniors aged 60 and above, a new centre in Jurong West aims to flip the script by opening some programmes to people in their 40s to introduce them early to the concept of active ageing.
At the new Glow (Nanyang), operated by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), the Longevity Courtyard – a wellness studio created together with fitness equipment provider Hur Solutions – features not just senior-friendly gym equipment, but also battle ropes and a boxing machine for younger users.
About 30 per cent of the studio’s capacity is also set aside for those in their 40s to train and bond with their parents, said Mr Lee Weng Foo, acting community care manager at Tzu-Chi.
People in this age group often first step into such centres for the first time when accompanying their elderly parents, he noted, describing this as the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the concept of active ageing early.
“We take the opportunity to explain to these ‘younger seniors’ – who may, in another 10 years or so, become seniors themselves – how to eat healthily and how to stay active, so that they keep up a healthy lifestyle and do not come to us as frail seniors when they are 60,” said Mr Lee.
There are currently more than 220 active ageing centres islandwide, which provide opportunities for senior citizens to stay physically and mentally active, as well as explore interests and meet other seniors.
Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung, who spoke at the launch of Glow on Nov 15, said active ageing centres play an important role in managing the health of seniors.
He suggested Tzu-Chi could work with the National University Health System – the public healthcare cluster serving the west of Singapore – to have a community health post operate at the centre at least once a week.
Mr Ong also said such centres could tap grassroots volunteers to reach out to seniors to ensure they are not living in isolation.
