Seniors in Yew Tee get access to active aging "hotspots"

SINGAPORE: Senior citizens in Yew Tee, which is part of Chua Chu Kang GRC, will soon have wellness cards that give them access to active aging hotspots.

Mr Alex Yam, an MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, said this at a media conference to highlight key developments in the area ahead of a ministerial visit by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu on November 4.

At the hotspots, seniors can get regular health screenings and take part in specially—organised activities —— all at subsidised rates. The hotspots are also meant to promote closer ties among residents.

Mr Yam said: "One (purpose) is getting the elderly in our community closer together, whether it’s through health checks, whether it’s through activities, and also the provision of hotspot activity areas for them... Secondly, it will also bring together different generations of Yew Tee residents together for activities and for befriending purposes."

Students from schools in the area will also be roped in to run some of the activities at the hotspots and serve as befrienders.

The pilot project will kick off at the end of the year with two hotspots — one at the Yew Tee Community Club, and another at an existing senior activity centre.

Mr Yam added that the project will give seniors easy and affordable access to healthcare.

Mr Yam said there will be close to 13,000 residents who will be aged 50 and older by 2015, and also noted that the nearest polyclinic and hospital are some distance away.

Among the other developments he highlighted are the upgrading of Yew Tee Community Club’s facilities, and the construction of a sheltered linkway to the MRT from the area’s northern cluster.

—CNA/ac