‘Ageing’ Bukit Panjang gets third centre to engage 1,300 seniors, with a fourth on the way
Published on
14 Feb 2025
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE – The latest of three active ageing centres (AACs) in Bukit Panjang is expected to engage up to 1,300 senior residents, who can enjoy exercise sessions or art activities in scenic surroundings.
The AAC at 406 Fajar Road – located near a pond popular with residents in the vicinity – is operated by social service organisation Fei Yue Community Services.
It has engaged more than 600 seniors since it began operations in April 2024.
At its official opening on Feb 13, Bukit Panjang MP Liang Eng Hwa said a fourth AAC in the constituency, located at Bangkit Market, is in the works.
A new senior care centre is also set to open at 422 Fajar Road.
Currently, about one in five residents in the constituency is above 60, and the figure is expected to reach one in four in the coming years.
Mr Liang said Bukit Panjang faces a “twin ageing problem”, as both the estate and its residents are ageing. Pointing out that work has been done to refresh the ageing estate’s infrastructure – where flats are up to 40 years old – he said efforts have also been made to help seniors age well.
“In our community, it’s vital that we continue to create spaces where our elderly can thrive and play an active role in society. These AACs reflect our collective responsibility to ensure that our seniors not only live well but feel valued,” Mr Liang said.
Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam also attended the AAC’s opening.
By 2030, one in four citizens in Singapore will be aged 65 and above, up from one in six now.
Amid this impending silver tsunami, the Government has set a goal of having 220 AACs by 2025, so that eight in 10 residents will have a centre near their homes. As at November 2024, there are 214 AACs.
Singapore has set aside $800 million over five years for AACs to expand their outreach and increase the range and quality of their programmes, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced in November 2023.
One unique offering at the new AAC is a special exercise session designed specifically for men, led by Anytime Fitness.
One of its regular participants is Mr Tan Pang Swee, 73, who said he has seen improvements both physically and socially after attending the session.
The retired telecommunications engineer started going for the sessions because he wanted to make more friends.
“It’s not just the body that feels better, but my mind too. It’s a great way to connect with other men in the community who are in the same life stage,” Mr Tan said.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
Photo: The Straits Times
Written By: Lee Li Ying
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