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The Singapore Government is to launch a National Wellness Program to encourage the over 50s to take charge of their own health and well-being.

Developed by the Singapore People's Association, the program has been piloted in 12 constituencies since 2008 and by March 2011 will be operational in 30 locations.

The nationwide rollout of the Program will be accompanied by a specially produced Wellness Program Starter Kit for new Active Ageing Committees.

Launching the Program this week, Goh Chok Tong, Singapore's Senior Minister, spoke of the Government's goal to bring about a positive outlook about our future and that we can control how we age, stating that "to achieve this, we need to change our behaviours and mindsets. We need to take a keen interest in our own health ⦠to exercise regularly, eat moderately, have a balanced diet and remain mentally and socially active."

Tong added that the pilot program had seen "Singaporeans now working out more frequently, visitors to the Singapore Sport Council's facilities (such as sports halls, gyms and swimming pools) have risen steadily in the past few years, from 10.9 million in 2006 to 12.8 million in 2009."

Tong also spoke of the three 'r's for wellness, "'Regenerating your body' with physical activities, 'Refreshing your Mind' with mental activities and 'Rejuvenating Your Soul" with social activities."

Part of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, the People's Association is a statutory board of the Government of Singapore that aims to build social cohesion within Singaporean society.

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