Adaptive sports revolutionize senior welfare in Singapore
Something remarkable is happening in the vibrant city-state of Singapore. Efforts are underway to transform the lives of older people and improve not only their physical health but also their mental well-being. adaptive sports program Services for the elderly introduced by Sports Singapore’s Sports Cares and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) are rewriting the narrative around aging, mobility and health.
Sports have no age limit
Consider the case of Park Chan-man, a 75-year-old retiree. Park, who used to rely on walking aids, was effectively chained to a wheelchair because her legs were too weak to carry her around. But now he participates in sports activities twice a week at his active aging center near his home. And the most impressive part? Park is now able to walk to the center without assistance, an impressive feat considering his condition just eight months ago.
Adaptive Sports: Game Changer
The key to this transformation lies in creatively modifying traditional sports activities to suit the abilities of older adults. For example, sports like disc golf have been adapted to allow older adults to participate while seated. These innovative changes have greatly increased the mobility of participants like Pak.
address growing concerns
The need for such efforts is clear when you look at the numbers. According to the Singapore Bureau of Statistics, the number of older people grappling with mobility issues jumped from about 25,500 to 50,000 between 2000 and 2020. In response to this alarming trend, SportCares and AIC strive to help older adults regain mobility through sport. Since 2022, AIC has trained around 200 community care staff and volunteers to deliver adaptive sports sessions, a testament to their commitment.
In addition, each agency has developed a Fit and Fun Adaptive Sports Toolkit. This informative manual provides instructions and suggestions for adapting to a variety of sports. Variations include volleyball with a soft beach ball, badminton with balloons, and floorball specially tailored for wheelchair users.
One of the centers implementing these adaptive sports is the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Active Aging Center – Golden Lily in Pasir Ris. The center is a shining example of Singapore’s determination to improve the quality of life for older people through innovative approaches such as adaptive sports.