It’s time to get active and enjoy the silver years.

You’ve probably heard about how exercise is important to strengthen your bones and muscles and stave off diseases. But between work and family commitments, how many of us are able to find time to clock the recommended 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical exercise per week?

A solution lies in active mobility — simply insert some time to walk, cycle and ride to your destinations instead!

But what about the aches and pains that come with age, you ask? Could it be impractical—or even unsafe—for seniors to walk, cycle and ride on public transport? Fret not. Staying active is arguably even more important during the silver years, as it can help us keep our minds fresh and stay connected to the community so we can age well!

Plus, with upgraded land transport features, you can rest assured of safety and support as you keep walking, cycling and riding through your silver years.

Check them out!

Walking

❤ Silver Zones

Silver Zones are designated in areas with a large proportion of seniors and where there have been past accidents involving seniors. Roads are designed with features such as S-shaped roads and lower speed limits, to lower motorists’ travelling speeds. Coupled with longer green man signals at pedestrian crossings, these features improve both the walking experience and safety of elderly pedestrians.

Progress:
- Over 30 Silver Zones across the island
- A total of 50 Silver Zones expected by 2025

❤ Green man+

There are also pedestrian crossings that have been fitted with Green Man+. Simply tap your senior citizen concession card at pedestrian crossings fitted with a reader and you’ll have additional time to get across the road!

[Tip] You can stop by any TransitLink office or visit their website to apply for your senior citizen concession card. As a plus, it also gives you discounts when travelling on public transport!

Progress:
- Around 1,000 Green Man+ crossings across the island
- Plans to implement 1,500 more are underway

❤ Railings and rest stops

To date, 275 kilometres worth of covered linkways have been added island-wide, so you can move easily from MRT stations and bus interchanges without worrying about the sun or rain.

To make it even more senior-friendly, plans are in place for these linkways near healthcare institutions and residential homes to include railings for support. Selected linkways will also have rest-stops every 50 metres, so you can rest comfortably if needed.

❤ Pedestrian overhead bridges

More and more overhead bridges near major transport nodes and healthcare institutions have been retrofitted with lifts to assist seniors and less mobile commuters without nearby barrier-free crossings.

Progress:
- 83 pedestrian overhead bridges have been retro-fitted with lifts
- A total of 100 lifts will be retrofitted by 2025
- Over 110 more expected

Cycle

Looking to get your heart rate up, without compromising your joints? Cycling is a low-impact sport suitable for all ages.

You don’t need to travel far to find a good cycling spot. To date, 13 HDB towns and estates have cycling path networks, and by 2030, there will be about 1,300 kilometres of cycling paths across Singapore! Talk about making it easier and breezier for you to cycle to your destination or simply spend a few hours cruising with the fam'.

Check out these tips for how to be a sharper cyclist!

Ride (buses)

❤ Buses

Besides priority seats and wheelchair friendly buses, seniors can look forward to priority queue zones for a more comfortable journey. By 2025, all bus interchanges will have these designated zones located next to boarding berths. They will also be fitted with seats for commuters to rest on.

❤ Bus stops

98% of Singapore’s bus stops are already barrier free! By 2025, 360 more will have steps removed and kerb height adjusted to facilitate even smoother access for wheelchair users. Where possible, the more seats and spaces will also be added for seniors and commuters. Like the seats at MRT platforms, these will have armrests to make it easier for you to sit and stand.

Tip: you can check if a bus stop is wheelchair-accessible via the MyTransport.SG app!

Ride (trains)

❤ Priority queues

Travelling during the peak hours? Look out for priority queues so you don’t need to jostle with the crowd.

❤ MRT doors

Did you know? During off-peak hours, MRT doors stay open between two to six seconds longer—giving seniors that little bit more time they need to board.

❤ MRT carriages

Priority seats and larger carriages make it easier for wheelchair users and commuters with mobility challenges to take the train. In-train display messages and strategically placed signage will also help you catch the important announcements that may be drowned out by the crowd.

❤ Please alert me when I am approaching my stop

If you’re worried about missing your stop, pick up a “Please alert me when I am reaching my stop” identifier and have it visible when on board so other passengers know you may need assistance.

The identifier is available at passenger service centres at both MRT stations and bus interchanges, as well as selected TransitLink ticket offices. Find out more about our Inclusive Public Transport System.

Ride (trains)

❤ Priority queues

Travelling during the peak hours? Look out for priority queues so you don’t need to jostle with the crowd.

❤ MRT doors

Did you know? During off-peak hours, MRT doors stay open between two to six seconds longer—giving seniors that little bit more time they need to board.

❤ MRT carriages

Priority seats and larger carriages make it easier for wheelchair users and commuters with mobility challenges to take the train. In-train display messages and strategically placed signage will also help you catch the important announcements that may be drowned out by the crowd.

❤ Please alert me when I am approaching my stop

If you’re worried about missing your stop, pick up a “Please alert me when I am reaching my stop” identifier and have it visible when on board so other passengers know you may need assistance.

The identifier is available at passenger service centres at both MRT stations and bus interchanges, as well as selected TransitLink ticket offices. Find out more about our Inclusive Public Transport System.

So, the next time you’re looking to spend some quality time with loved ones in their silver years, be sure to explore these handy senior-friendly features to walk, cycle and ride!

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