Those aged 65 and above with a monthly per capita household income of $300 or less, can claim up to $112.50 a month in transport allowance to enable them to visit such centres.

Those on higher incomes will get less.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is also getting day-care centres to run specialised activities to keep seniors physically strong and agile.

The ministry will spend $3 million over the next five years to hire therapists, buy equipment and train staff to run such maintenance exercise programmes.

Announcing these measures, Minister Lim Boon Heng, who chairs a ministerial committee on ageing issues, stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive elderly support framework that includes both community and home-based care.

'As our population ages and family sizes become smaller, the burden of care-giving will increase,' he said.

He revealed that the Government is currently reviewing the national severe disability insurance scheme ElderShield, with the aim of improving support to the disabled old and their caregivers.

To MPs' concerns about abuse of old folk, Mr Lim said existing laws, such as the Women's Charter, Penal Code and the Maintenance of Parents Act, are sufficient protection against physical and emotional abuse.

He also said it was better to resolve such cases through mediation and counselling.

'Applying the law should be the last resort; it makes reconciliation almost impossible,' he said.

Mr Wee Siew Kim (Ang Mo Kio GRC) asked if amenities for the elderly could be sited at more convenient locations, such as near MRT stations.

Responding, Mr Lim said that the People's Association is studying where to site community centres and other facilities frequented by seniors.

But beyond the physical infrastructure, he said community bonds play an equal - if not more important - role in coaxing the elderly to stay active.

A new committee chaired by Minister of State for Health Heng Chee How will look at ways to motivate them to exercise.