At the National Day Rally this year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s speech focused on seniors as one of the five key issues. He pointed out that in 2025, over 20% of Singaporeans were aged 65 and above, and this proportion could rise to 25% within 10 years. With that in mind, the government launched Age Well SG, a national programme to support seniors by encouraging active ageing. This means to lead more active and fulfilling lives, and to prevent loneliness, which PM Wong called “the biggest enemy of seniors”.
A crucial element of Age Well SG is the Active Ageing Centre (AAC). There are over 200 AACs around Singapore, which are social recreational centres for seniors aged 60 and above. These go-to points for seniors give them the opportunity to build strong social connections, take part in recreational activities, and even contribute to the community.
Using the example of Toa Payoh, where nearly one-quarter of residents are aged 65 and above, PM Wong shared that it would be one of the pilot towns for “Age Well Neighbourhoods.” This meant increasing the number of AACs in Toa Payoh, from six in 2021, to 13 today, with even more added in future. The goal is to ensure every senior in the neighbourhood needs to walk less than 1 kilometre to their nearest AAC .
Read Also: National Day Rally 2025: 6 Ways That Shape The Future Of Singapore Beyond SG60
Where Is My Nearest AAC
There are over 200 AACs around Singapore, each run by different organisations. These include NTUC Health, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, Lions Befrienders Service Association, St Luke’s ElderCare, and Montford Care (operating as Goodlife Studio).
You can search for the nearest AACs at SupportGoWhere, by keying in your postal code or address. The first result will show the nearest three AACs, but you can click Show All to see the other AACs sorted by distance.
Source: Screenshot of SupportGoWhere
If there isn’t an AAC located conveniently near your home, don’t worry. The Ministry of Health is spending $800 million over the next five years to increase the number of AACs around Singapore.
Services Provided By AACs
Each AAC provides a suite of services including a variety of Active Ageing programmes to keep seniors engaged, and Befriending services for vulnerable seniors who require additional social support. Some, known as Active Ageing Centre (Care), or AAC (Care), also provide day care services and community rehabilitation.
Typical exercise programmes at AACs include qigong, Zumba, stretch-band, rhythmic workouts, and line dancing.
Several AACs offer unique programmes to keep seniors active and engaged. For example, Allkin AAC @ Sin Ming 25 in Bishan runs Boccia games twice a month.
Source: Allkin Singapore
NTUC Health Active Ageing Centre in Whampoa organises Calligraphy sessions for seniors using a digital app. This not only allows you to practice this traditional artform, but also gives you more confidence using technology.
Source: NTUC Health
Some organisations like NTUC Health publish updated programme calendars showing the daily activities at their AACs. If you’re interested in participating, contact your nearest AAC to learn what programmes they offer.
How Much Do These Programmes Cost
Most activities offered by the AACs are free for seniors above 60 years of age to enjoy. Depending on the service provider, some activities may require a nominal fee to participate.
For example, the calligraphy session in Whampoa mentioned above is $20 for five sessions.
Read Also: Price Guide To Eldercare Services in Singapore
