More than just about feeling good, investing in wellness can increase your odds of enjoying healthier, more independent senior years.
We all know that staying active and eating well are crucial for healthy ageing. But in a rapidly greying Singapore, well-being goes beyond physical fitness — it’s about keeping your mind sharp, your social life vibrant and your sense of purpose strong.
By 2026, more than one in five Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. What does that mean for the future? Expect to see more seniors travelling solo, launching new careers and embracing innovative ways to stay youthful — from biohacking and genetic profiling to forest bathing and mindfulness practices. Here’s how Singaporeans are redefining what it means to age with energy and confidence.
WEARABLE TECH: SMALL GADGETS, BIG HEALTH BENEFITS
Wearable tech might not be jetpacks or cyborg suits, but today’s sleek devices pack a punch when it comes to health tracking. Smartwatches and fitness trackers now do more than count steps — they monitor heart rate, oxygen levels and even detect falls. Some models can automatically dial 995 if they sense you’re unresponsive for a minute — a crucial safety feature for seniors living alone.
These functionalities have even made their way into smart jewellery devices. The Oura smart ring, for example, delivers health insights in a stylish package, with 88% of users reporting improved sleep and better body temperature regulation.
If you’re not the type to splurge on shiny baubles, the Health Promotion Board offers free fitness trackers for Singaporeans aged 17 and above (if you’re not in LumiHealth yet). Claim yours and download the Healthy 365 app to start building healthier habits today!
EVERYDAY TECH SKILLS FOR SMARTER AGEING
HomeTeamNS has teamed up with XIOHOO — a social enterprise that offers technology-related classes — to run weekly courses every Monday at HomeTeamNS Khatib. These classes are FREE for HomeTeamNS members, while non-members aged 50 and above pay $12 after the C3A (Gov) subsidy. Standard course fee without subsidy is $60.
Upcoming class: E-Health & E-Wellness (28 April 2025)
Learn how to navigate the Health Hub app to manage medical appointments, locate a GP, track past prescriptions and monitor your fitness — all from your mobile device.
Sign up for a class and take the first step towards confident, tech-enabled living.
MIND OVER MATTER: STRENGTHENING MENTAL WELL-BEING
Mental well-being is high on the priority list for Singapore’s next generation of seniors. Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1980) are more concerned than younger generations about issues like depression, anxiety and cognitive decline as they age.
The good news? Developing healthy mental habits early can make a real difference. Research shows that habits like mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, sharpen focus and improve emotional regulation.
Struggling to stay present in a world full of distractions? Try “The Raisin Consciousness” exercise (yes, it involves focusing on a raisin!). This quick activity trains your brain to focus and be fully in the moment — one mindful bite at a time.
BEYOND BUBBLE BATHS: EXPLORING NEW WELLNESS TRENDS
Relaxation has evolved far beyond bubble baths and scented candles. New trends have emerged in recent years, touting deeper benefits that include lowering blood pressure and stress levels, enhancing sleep, aiding recovery from fatigue and improving spiritual well-being.
The Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves entering a forested area with a guide, who facilitates the session with activities designed to help you connect with nature. In some research studies, regular forest bathing was found to boost immunity and lower blood glucose levels.
In more urban settings, you can find sound bath practitioners, who use Tibetan singing bowls and soothing soundscapes to help with meditation and stress relief. Ice bath devotees, on the other hand, swear that cold-water immersion helps enhance mental clarity, build resilience and supercharge energy levels.
SILVER GAP YEARS: TAKING A MIDLIFE PAUSE
Who says gap years are just for students? As more seniors continue working into their silver years, older workers are choosing to pause their careers before rejoining the workforce.
After decades of working, many take a break to travel, explore hobbies or spend time with loved ones, without retiring completely. And when they’re ready to return, it doesn’t have to mean rejoining the corporate grind. The concept of productive longevity values unpaid roles like volunteering and caregiving just as much as formal employment.
At Active Ageing Centres in Singapore, seniors can take up micro-jobs like delivering meals or issuing medication reminders to other elderly residents, staying engaged while earning a small salary.
BIOHACKING: A DIY APPROACH TO BETTER HEALTH
What if you could tweak your biology to feel better, perform better and even slow down ageing? That’s the idea behind biohacking — a growing movement where people make intentional lifestyle changes (or use cutting-edge science) to optimise their health. Methods range from simple changes like intermittent fasting (eating within a set window of time) to more advanced alterations like gene therapy (which millionaire biohacker Bryan Johnson reportedly uses to slow ageing).
DNA-based wellness is also gaining traction, with companies like Circle DNA providing personalised insights into ideal diets, effective fitness plans, genetic health risks and even skincare routines to help you tailor your lifestyle to your genetics.
Even sleep can be biohacked! As one of the most sleep-deprived populations, Singaporeans could benefit from knowing their sleep chronotype. A well-timed 20-minute nap can work wonders for mid-day fatigue.
With so many ways to stay active and engaged, ageing isn’t about hitting the brakes — it’s about embracing new possibilities and living life to the fullest.
AGE WITH CONFIDENCE AT HOMETEAMNS
From fitness to lifelong learning, HomeTeamNS helps you stay strong, sharp and socially connected.
- Keep fit with low-impact workouts: Fitness Workz Garage at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir offers exercises designed to keep seniors moving safely and effectively.
- Move with purpose through GX Fit: HomeTeamNS members aged 44 and above can take part in free fitness activities at HomeTeamNS Khatib. The programme features dynamic workouts and adventure-based challenges like rock climbing and airsoft target shooting — great for hand-eye coordination and mental agility.
- Engage your mind: Studies show that learning new skills helps improve memory and focus among the elderly. Why not pick up a new sport or activity to challenge yourself?
- Join the HomeTeamNS community: Check out clubhouse events and/or facilities as staying socially connected is key to a fulfilling senior life.
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