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Singapore News
National Wellness Programme launched islandwide
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 02 May 2010 1728 hrs
SINGAPORE : Eight in 10 people who took part in the pilot phase of the Wellness Programme were women.
The Active Ageing Council, which promotes the programme, said it will step up efforts to attract more men.
The programme, launched islandwide Sunday, aims to reach out to seniors and encourage them to take charge of their own health and well-being.
Maria Yong joined the Community Dance Interest Group under the Wellness Programme two years ago.
The 57-year-old even convinced her husband to participate.
"Initially he doesn't want to join me, because he said all aunties! So, I took about 8 to 9 months to persuade him. I said why not you come down and have a look. Then he said 'ok not too bad'" said Yong, a Wellness Programme participant.
Speaking at the launch of the National Wellness Programme, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that relationships will strengthen when husbands and wives take part in activities together.
The programme is also targeted at seniors who are alone.
"The Wellness Programme aims to reach out to all seniors, particularly those who may be at risk of social isolation. By participating in social interest groups, we hope that the friendship forged among seniors would translate into mutual care and support in times of need," said SM Goh.
Following the pilot phase, the Wellness Programme will be introduced in another 30 locations islandwide.
Mr Goh noted that during the pilot phase of the Wellness Programme, around 12,000 seniors undertook health screening.
Of this group, nearly 9,000 or 75 per cent were diagnosed with "at risk" results. This means that they showed signs or symptoms of chronic ailments.
He added that the majority of those identified as being "at risk" have subsequently gone on to see doctors for follow-up consultation or Nurse Educators from the Health Promotion Board for health advice. - CNA /ls
National Wellness Programme launched islandwide
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 02 May 2010 1728 hrs
SINGAPORE : Eight in 10 people who took part in the pilot phase of the Wellness Programme were women.
The Active Ageing Council, which promotes the programme, said it will step up efforts to attract more men.
The programme, launched islandwide Sunday, aims to reach out to seniors and encourage them to take charge of their own health and well-being.
Maria Yong joined the Community Dance Interest Group under the Wellness Programme two years ago.
The 57-year-old even convinced her husband to participate.
"Initially he doesn't want to join me, because he said all aunties! So, I took about 8 to 9 months to persuade him. I said why not you come down and have a look. Then he said 'ok not too bad'" said Yong, a Wellness Programme participant.
Speaking at the launch of the National Wellness Programme, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that relationships will strengthen when husbands and wives take part in activities together.
The programme is also targeted at seniors who are alone.
"The Wellness Programme aims to reach out to all seniors, particularly those who may be at risk of social isolation. By participating in social interest groups, we hope that the friendship forged among seniors would translate into mutual care and support in times of need," said SM Goh.
Following the pilot phase, the Wellness Programme will be introduced in another 30 locations islandwide.
Mr Goh noted that during the pilot phase of the Wellness Programme, around 12,000 seniors undertook health screening.
Of this group, nearly 9,000 or 75 per cent were diagnosed with "at risk" results. This means that they showed signs or symptoms of chronic ailments.
He added that the majority of those identified as being "at risk" have subsequently gone on to see doctors for follow-up consultation or Nurse Educators from the Health Promotion Board for health advice. - CNA /ls
