SINGAPORE — In one constituency, residents aged 50 and above will soon need to pay only S$2 to have their blood pressure, height, weight, as well as glucose and cholesterol levels measured. In another, a morning exercise group is being set up for frail and disabled elderly residents. Such health and wellness programmes are now picking up steam with the expansion of a project that began in 2011 to promote successful ageing in the community.

This month, seven constituencies received the City For All Ages Grant, of up to S$80,000 each, to create senior-friendly neighbourhoods for the elderly.

Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hong Kah North, Queenstown, Siglap, Tampines Central and Tanglin-Cairnhill now join the pilot sites of Marine Parade, Bedok, Whampoa and Taman Jurong in receiving support for such programmes.

Chua Chu Kang, for instance, hopes to reach out to 30 per cent of its residents aged 50 and above with its health screenings, which will be held twice a month from September, together with health talks and physical activities.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is a Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency, said: “After screening, residents with chronic conditions will receive health counselling and advice on how to manage their conditions, including invitations to follow-up health talks and workshops.

“Community nurses will contact them via phone calls to give health advice based on their screening results. They’ll also link up with their neighbourhood doctor to help them manage their conditions.”

Chua Chu Kang residents can also look forward to more walking trails. The first one, measuring 1.8km, has just been completed.

The City For All Ages programme is also aimed at building a more inclusive environment that promotes inter-generational bonding.

Minister of State (Health) Amy Khor said: “It’s also about changing mindsets, not just of the elderly, that they would take responsibility for their health ... but also the attitude and mindsets of the community — family, friends and neighbours — to engage and work with the elderly.”

To include the younger generation, the Health Promotion Board will reach out to pre-schools, primary and secondary schools in the area. For example, students will learn about healthy eating, exercising, social and mental health, and the harmful effects of tobacco.

Another plan is to turn all schools in the area into health-promoting schools, and have some 200 youth ambassadors spread the message of healthy living.