Retiree Suzanne Poon, 66, works out so that she can take better care of her elderly mother.

She has been visiting a new gym at Ang Mo Kio Community Centre five times a week for the past month to strengthen her muscles.

"I'm afraid of the effects of ageing," she told The Sunday Times at the gym's launch yesterday, adding that she has weak balance.

"My kneecaps are not very good and my leg muscles are weak."

Ms Poon said she lives with her mother in Bishan, about a 15-minute walk from the ActiveSG gym, which has equipment suitable for the elderly. For example, it has equipment that allows users to increase resistance by as little as 100g.

Sport Singapore deputy chief executive Chiang Hock Woon said other gyms with equipment for the elderly will open by the year end .

Other locations are Toa Payoh West, Senja-Cashew, Fernvale and Pek Kio, he added.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was the guest of honour at the launch, urged residents to make use of the gym. He said there are many elderly residents in Ang Mo Kio, as well as in other parts of Singapore.

"People are ageing. More of us are getting on in years. And if we stay active, I think we can live healthy, productive lives and keep on contributing, (not just by) looking after the younger ones in our family, but also contributing to the broader society and to Singapore."

Singapore residents aged 55 and above can use the gym for free on Wednesdays. The gym is open to the public for a fee.

Ms Poon said she found out about the gym from an instructor at the community centre, where she also does stretch band exercises.

"So far, it has been a very good experience," she said.

"I feel stronger and more mobile. It gives me more confidence that I can take care of my mother. She has difficulty getting around."