Debated in Parliament on 9 Sep 2026.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given the Intercontinental Alliance for Integrated Care's 2025 report on gender differences in ageing (a) whether the Ministry tracks participation in Age Well SG active ageing and physical activity exercise programmes by gender; (b) if so, what trends between older men and women have emerged in recent years; and (c) what new outreach strategies are planned to raise engagement among elderly men.
Active ageing centres (AACs) have helped many more seniors lead an active life and stay socially connected. The gender profile has remained broadly stable in recent years, with women making up around two-thirds of participants.
In general, women around the world are observed to be more active participants of community activities. To encourage participation among male seniors, AACs and the Health Promotion Board are introducing programmes that better align with their interests. These include activities, such as playing music, games and sports. That said, it is also possible that male seniors are pre-occupied with their own pastimes and prefer not to visit the AACs.
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