The clack of mahjong tiles, the soft rattle of exercise bikes and the slow thrum of sewing machines are the soundtrack to Monday afternoons at the Yong-en Active Hub: a senior centre with the vibe of a social club, where new skills and friendships are the antidote to old age.
At the Bukit Merah estate in central Singapore, Agnes Chen, 74, strolls through the swinging doors, declines entreaties to join a game of Rummikub – a tile-based hybrid of mahjong and rummy – and fixes herself a coffee.
"People here are so friendly and happy, you'll find yourself opening up," the retiree said. "It's like a private club for seniors, you can eat, cook, sit around and do what you like, even if there's no classes."
Helping its elderly population age well has long been a national priority for Singapore
