Singapore has gyms for the elderly
Exercise is the way to a healthy life. So the Lien Foundation is giving it to the people who need it most.
The Singaporean foundation rolled out a project called Gym Tonic, a gym suited for the frail elderly. Gym Tonic benefits 2,000 elderly in six nursing homes since April this year.
“Exercises by strength training are key in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies of care for our frail elderly. There is a need to mainstream “exercise as medicine” and to widen its beneficial reach through healthcare policy, practice and training.” said Lee Poh Wah, CEO of the Lien Foundation.
The project is part of a Singapore-Finland agreement. The Singaporean foundation brought $2.2mn worth of Finnish pneumatic gym equipment to nursing homes.
Before using Gym Tonic, physical and mental conditions of the seniors were pre-assessed to determine what type of exercise would be best. Their progressed is tracked by an automated IT system with RFID.
Early adopters already notice improvements in their health while using Gym Tonic. “Since using the machines, my blood pressure has stabilised,” said 75-year-old Ms Jennifer Ng
The Singaporean government recently unveiled a $3bn-worth, five-year-action plan for successful ageing. The plan includes similar ideas for active ageing hubs.
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