Healthy for Life programme for Bukit Batok East residents

SINGAPORE: A one-stop destination for healthy living, right in the vicinity of the neighbourhood, will be set up in Bukit Batok East as part of a new Healthy for Life programme.

It aims to look after the physical, mental, and social well-being of residents, with an emphasis on the frail and elderly.

Grassroots organisations, voluntary welfare organisations and government agencies will work together on the programme.

The hub will be incorporated into an existing social service facility in Bukit Batok East by the end of this year before moving into its own premises by the end of 2015.

This was announced on Wednesday by Advisor to Bukit Batok East Grassroots Organisations, Halimah Yacob, during a media briefing.

When fully functional, the site will feature a mock-up, where elderly residents can learn about how to stay healthy and safe at home.

Registered nurses and doctors will also be on hand to conduct health screenings and give advice from time to time. The hub will host regular lifestyle activities such as exercise and table games as well.

Madam Halimah said: “Generally as you know, the population is ageing very rapidly, and Bukit Batok East is no exception. Every time when I go on house visits, I see more and more residents on wheelchairs, walking sticks and walking frames, and so that indicates to me that really, health is a very important thing that we have to focus on.”

Madam Halimah also touched on the Pioneer Generation Package (PGP).

She said that while the media remain important platforms for disseminating information, face-to-face contact is especially useful.

Besides the seven dialogue sessions she has had so far, she provides more information at festivals, block parties and house visits she attends.

“The message must be kept simple, so that it’s not cluttered with too many things,” Madam Halimah added.

“The most important information is, ‘don’t worry — you will receive a letter from the government informing you of all this. You will be automatically covered. You will not have to apply for it. And at the end of the day, the idea is to support you in your old age, so that you can age gracefully by reducing medical costs and reducing the burden and concerns of your children in having to take care of you.’”

Healthy for Life programme for Bukit Batok East residents