Forum: With longer working lives, approach to active ageing must evolve
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My parents recently turned 60, and I have been looking for strength-training programmes to help them remain healthy and active as they age. I was surprised by how difficult it was to find affordable programmes that fit their schedules.
For example, I considered ActiveSG’s Combat Age-related Loss of Muscle, a structured strength-training programme for seniors. Many sessions I found were on weekday mornings, while other programmes I inquired about offered classes only on weekdays before 6pm, with no weekend sessions. As my parents are still working, these timings are impractical.
Nearly 60% of Singapore residents in their 60s participate in the labour force. With the retirement and re-employment ages raised and set to rise further by 2030, more Singaporeans will be working into their 60s.
Our approach to active ageing needs to keep pace with longer working lives. We want older Singaporeans to remain economically active while maintaining the strength, mobility and independence needed to age well.
A 2025 Singapore study found that about one-third of adults aged over 60 had sarcopenia, a condition associated with falls, frailty and reduced independence.
The Government has introduced initiatives to support active ageing. Community and philanthropic initiatives have expanded access, but capacity remains constrained. It was reported that around 2,800 seniors were waiting for the Lien Foundation’s Gym Tonic programme, with waits of up to nine months. Private alternatives are emerging, but affordable options remain limited.
Sport Singapore should assess whether its senior fitness programmes are adequately reaching working seniors, and expand evening and weekend sessions where demand exists. There is also scope for community and private providers to expand affordable options for working seniors.
Tan Jia Hui Natalie