Dedicated Active Ageing Centres for Men

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2202 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

Question No. 5154

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has considered building dedicated active ageing centres for men, akin to Men's Sheds in the United Kingdom and Australia which have demonstrated increased participation rates in activities conducted for elderly men.

Answer

1   We agree with the need to increase participation rates of male seniors. Elderly men are generally more driven by specific interests when deciding whether to take part in activities and we also observed that they prefer activities that give them agency. Thus, some AAC providers have organised programmes such as pool table games, guitar playing, and having dedicated timeslots for “Uncles’ Time” or “Men’s Club” where they can participate in activities like breakfast and walks as a group.

2     While there are no plans to build dedicated Active Ageing Centres (AACs) for men, AAC providers are encouraged to conduct a range of activities that meet the interests of both elderly men and women, to ensure that AACs can remain as inclusive spaces for all seniors.