Recreational Centres’ Facilities and Activities to Support Healthy Ageing in Singapore

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the physical and social environment (facilities and activities) of Singapore’s Recreational Centres (RCs) and female patrons’ (>50 years) perception of the RC facilities and activities. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 RCs were audited, and 22 face-to-face interviews were undertaken. Results: Physical activity classes were the main activity offered (mean = eight classes per month), with walking (29.8%) and aerobics sessions (17.5%) being the most frequent. Nutrition classes and social activities were offered less often (mean = one class per month). The activities were well received by patrons, offering opportunities to interact while participating in physical activity and nutrition classes. However, the need for staff training, consideration of patron’s abilities and the desire to engage in alternative activities were expressed. Conclusion: Overall, RCs’ facilities and activities were well liked by the patrons but opportunities for improvements were identified. Regular reviews of facilities and activities through consultation with the RC patrons and managers are needed to ensure that the facilities and activities remain relevant and practical to the patrons. This will help to support active lifestyles and healthy eating practices among older adults residing within the community.

Effectiveness of Community-Delivered Functional Power Training Program for Frail and Pre-frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Study

“…In addition, readers should be cautious in generalizing the results given that the sample was largely women. However, this demographic profile is aligned with that of local senior community activity center membership of largely women (Thang, 2005;Wong et al, 2019). Second, due to the COVID-19 disruption of the study, we were unable to compare any post-program maintenance effects between the two groups.…”

Patterns of occupational engagement among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore: An exploratory mixed method study

“…Therefore, active steps have to be taken to enable older adults to leverage on these resources. Older adults have raised concerns that such centres do not sufficiently consider their interests and abilities (Wong et al, 2019), which highlights the essentiality of community services to ensure that organised activities are meaningful and valued by older people. Our findings regarding the list of top preferred activities may therefore serve as useful considerations for clinicians and service providers when planning programmes or collective activities.…”

Process evaluation of the ‘Singapore Physical Activity and Nutrition Study’

“…The control group participants received a fallsprevention booklet and were blinded to the nature of the program. The outcome evaluation results currently under review elsewhere (Wong, Lee, James, & Jancey, 2019), have shown statistically significant improvements in moderate and vigorous-intensity PA and dietary behaviours in the intervention group compared to the control group.…”

“…In response to this, the Singapore Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (SPANS) was implemented to improve PA and dietary behaviours of Singaporean women aged 50 and over attending their neighbourhood recreational centres (RCs). RCs are public facilities supporting social leisure activities located below high-rise public housing and represent conveniently located hubs to implement lifestyle programs and facilitate lifestyle practices for older Singaporean women (Wong, Lee, James, & Jancey, 2019).…”