Seniors in Singapore combat frailty through exercise and social connection

A survey of more than 800 people in Singapore aged 50 and above, along with their caregivers, revealed that 73 per cent of respondents believe frailty is an unavoidable part of ageing.

Despite this perception, medical experts and local seniors argue that frailty is a manageable condition that can be delayed through proactive lifestyle choices.

Professor Wang Yibin of Duke-NUS Medical School explains that frailty manifests physically through muscle loss, functionally through slower recovery from illness, and cognitively through changes in memory and mood. He notes that muscle mass is vital for metabolic health and immune function. To address muscle loss, the National Research Foundation of Singapore supports MAGNET, a $10 million research initiative launched in 2025 to study sarcopenia. Local seniors share personal routines to maintain their strength.

Trindy Ho, 63, volunteers for a food rescue team where she walks through a large wholesale centre, often clocking nearly 8,000 steps in a single session. Purba Pal, 58, uses community dance sessions and walks with friends to stay motivated. Soh Swee Ping of the Agency for Integrated Care says that staying physically active, eating well, and maintaining social ties are key factors in helping seniors remain independent.