S’poreans Above 65 Get Free Entry To Public Gyms & Swimming Pools, So They’ll Stay Active

Singapore Seniors Above 65 Get Free Entry To ActiveSG Swimming Pools & Public Gyms

Based on projections by the United Nations (UN), 47% of Singapore’s population will be at least 65 years old in 2050. Our ageing population will no doubt place pressure on our shrinking workforce.

Thankfully, the government is taking steps to ensure that seniors stay healthy and active for longer.

From 1 Apr onwards, Singaporeans aged 65 and above will get free entry to all ActiveSG swimming pools and gyms.

Currently, seniors pay $0.50 (on weekdays) and $0.60 (on weekends and public holidays) for entry to ActiveSG swimming pools. They pay $1.50 for entry to gyms.

ActiveSG’s Bishan swimming complex
Source

During her Committee of Supply speech on Friday (6 Mar), Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Grace Fu said the initiative was part of Sport Singapore’s efforts to encourage senior citizens to stay active.

Sports and physical activity allow our seniors to sustain their health and mobility longer, and continue to be engaged in the community.

According to The Straits Times, this new initiative is expected to benefit more than 500,000 citizens.

ActiveSG will also be rolling out programmes at these facilities to improve the functional fitness of seniors. Existing gyms are progressively being retrofitted with “senior-friendly” equipment, says Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

Seniors working out at an ActiveSG gym
Source

To keep up with trends and life expectancy of Singaporeans, MCCY will review the age criterion from time to time.

Others to benefit from $1.5 billion Sports Facilities Master Plan as well

Ms Fu also announced 3 new Sport-in-Precinct facilities in Sengkang South, Pasir Ris East, and Dover. This move will help the ministry achieve their target of 20 Sport-in-Precinct projects by this year.

First Sport-in-Precinct at Jurong Spring Playfields
Source

Sports-in-Precinct facilities aim to provide a wider range of accessible sports facilities in residential neighbourhoods.

On top of that, 5 ActiveSG facilities will be rejuvenated and completed by 2022. These facilities are:

• Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex
• Yishun Swimming Complex
• Queenstown Sports and Recreation Centre
• Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall
• Yishun Sports Hall.

These are all part of the government’s $1.5 billion Sports Facilities Master Plan to strengthen Singapore’s sporting landscape and provide citizens with an exercise venue close to home.

Hopefully these initiatives help build a more active, resilient, and above all, healthy nation.

Featured image adapted from ActiveSG.