SINGAPORE – Madam Rosnah Sulaiman breezes into THK Active Ageing Centre (AAC) @ Bedok and heads straight for the activity area without stopping to register manually at the counter as she used to.
Instead, the 76-year-old is identified and authenticated by a facial recognition system that is part of the cutting-edge technology adopted by the centre to provide its elderly members an easier, seamless way of using the premises.
The same technology is used to measure their gait speed, providing valuable data on their mobility and balance without being intrusive. A health kiosk allows seniors to monitor their health and ensure early intervention when needed.
With funding from Temasek Foundation, these initiatives focus on preventive care, social engagement and comprehensive community support to improve the quality of life for the elderly.
To keep the seniors active within the community, the centre also provides employment opportunities for those who wish to work, through its micro jobs programme. Some man the cafe, others organise the meals on wheels for the housebound.
The refreshed THK AAC @ Bedok and Bedok Sanctuary, located at Block 12 Bedok South Avenue 2, was officially launched by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Sept 20.
During a tour of the centre, Mr Ong was shown its cafe for communal dining, the activity hall and the gym where seniors gather to socialise and exercise, and the wellness room where they can relax and recuperate.
He was also shown the interactive health kiosks, where seniors can check their own blood pressure, heart rate and body mass index. Such technology simplifies operations, saving time for staff who previously performed these screenings.
Cutting-edge technology and seniors to run active ageing centre in Bedok
