Active Ageing Centres in Singapore: what they do, who can join, and how to find one

What is an Active Ageing Centre?

An Active Ageing Centre is a community space, usually at the void deck or in a block near you, run by a social service organisation and funded by the Ministry of Health. It is a place for seniors to stay active and connected, and a local point of contact when they need help. Since 2021 the former Senior Activity Centres, which mainly served seniors living in rental flats, have been converted into AACs that serve all seniors aged 60 and over.

What AACs offer

• Activities: exercise and falls prevention classes, health talks, games, crafts, outings, digital skills and community meals. Programmes vary by centre.
• Befriending and buddying: regular contact for seniors at risk of isolation, at least monthly for those who accept, through calls and home visits by staff and volunteers.
• Information and referral: help finding care services, such as home care, day care, financial schemes and health screening.
• Care Hubs: some AACs serve as Care Hubs with a wider range of services for the surrounding centres.

The Silver Generation Office’s ambassadors visit seniors at home, and connect those who need it with their nearest AAC’s befriending.

How many AACs are there?

Under Age Well SG, announced in November 2023, the government set out to grow the network to about 220 centres by 2025 so that 8 in 10 seniors would have one near home, with about S$800 million for AACs over five financial years. That target has been met.

Is it free?

Joining and most activities are free. Some centres charge small fees for particular classes, meals or outings. Ask the centre for its programme.

How to find your nearest AAC

1. Search for the Active Ageing Centre finder on SupportGoWhere, or use AIC’s E-Care Locator, with your postal code.
2. Or call AIC on 1800 650 6060.
3. Visit with your parent, meet the staff and look at the programme. Each AAC covers specific blocks, so the nearest one is usually the one you are assigned to.

AACs and seniors who live alone

Seniors living alone are a central part of an AAC’s work. In 2025, 88,400 residents aged 65 and over lived alone in Singapore. Befriending calls and visits are how many centres stay in touch with them. If your parent lives alone, register them with the nearest centre even if they rarely go, and give the centre your contact details. It is one more person who will notice if something is wrong.

Some centres also use technology so staff know sooner. Birdhouse has run pilots with Jia Ying and Chong Hua Tong Active Ageing Centres. Sensors in the senior’s flat notice when the usual routine does not happen, and alert both the family and the centre’s staff. Families can also invite a verified AAC into a home they set up themselves. See monitoring for Active Ageing Centres and Birdhouse for families or through a care agency.