Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay in good health. 30 minutes of brisk walking daily can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and reduce the risks of health conditions like heart diseases. It is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed at any time of the day and at your own pace--a perfect fit for seniors.
In Singapore, you can join walking tours to places you’ve been to before, and see how things have changed over the years. Visiting places that elicit old memories can also enhance a senior’s mental agility and slow the onset of early dementia. At the same time, you can meet fellow seniors with similar interests.
Here are five walking trails in Singapore that you may enjoy, whether solo or with family and friends.
Reminiscence Walks
By National Heritage Board and SAGE Counselling Centre
Revisit historical sites and traditional businesses with a four-hour walking tour led by seniors, for seniors. Participants may visit an old-fashioned bakery to watch traditional bread-making, or drop by a traditional coffee grinder to see how coffee beans are ground into powder similar to the old days.
Regular tours to Balestier, Kampong Glam, and Little India are available. These tour locations are specially selected as they are places with local cultural heritage and can spur seniors to remember their past. On the walk, you can even chat with other participants and exchange stories and memories of these places.
Challenge level: Easy. Can accommodate seniors with visual impairments.
Tour language: English
More info: Contact pep@sagecc.org.sg to check availability and timing.
Changi World War II
By The Original Singapore Walks
Go back in time as you tour sites of World War II (WWII) in Singapore. You get to hop on a coach for this four-hour-long tour, which explores the Occupation of Singapore. You’ll visit old prisoner-of-war camps at Changi, learn about Singapore’s defence strategy for the war, and hear the stories of those who are memorialised at Kranji War Memorial.
The experienced guides will also share nuggets of information about these places. You may learn interesting facts about WWII, and get to share them with your family.
Challenge level: Easy. Wheelchair users may require considerable level of support getting on/off the tour buses used in the programme.
Tour language: English
Price: $60 (Adult) / $30 (Child)
More info: https://www.journeys.com.sg/tosw/our-tours/
Walking in the Footsteps of our Foremothers By Singapore Council of Women's Organisations
Did you know that CHIJMES was originally an orphanage and an all-girls school known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus? It was established by three nuns.
On this guided tour, you get to trace the accomplishments of female heroes who left a mark in Singapore’s development. The two-hour trip takes participants to 17 landmarks around the Bras Basah-Bugis Precinct, where guides will share fascinating information about female heroes, their achievements, and their legacy. Seniors can also learn the rich history of these places.
Challenge level: Moderate, as you’ll be visiting many places within a short span of time.
Tour language: English
Price: $10 per person
More info: https://www.swhf.sg/get-involved/heritage-walks/
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Guided Walks
By National Parks
Nature lovers can explore the green side of Singapore—a wetland reserve filled with wildlife and indigenous plants. This 90-minute guided walk goes to the heart of nature, where you can catch glimpses of monitor lizards, kingfishers, mudskippers, and perhaps even rare migratory birds.
Boardwalks and trails are easy to follow, so there is no fear of getting lost in the wild. Enjoy the fresh air while working up a sweat as you walk through this nature reserve. Don’t forget your insect repellent, to prevent bites.
Challenge level: Moderate. Not suitable for seniors using mobility aids as some parts of the trail have stairs.
Tour language: English, Mandarin or Japanese.
Price: Free
More info: https://www.nparks.gov.sg
Love MacRitchie Walks
By The Love MacRitchie movement
Learn more about the history of the MacRitchie forest by tracking with an experienced guide. On this trail, you will meet other nature lovers and can share experiences while enjoying the tranquility of a forest. Keep an eye out for squirrels and monkeys, and discover a diverse range of wildlife.
If you have visited MacRitchie previously, try to see if you can spot changes to the place. Pack insect repellent to avoid bug bites.
Challenge level: Moderate. Not suitable for seniors using mobility aids as some parts of the trail have inclines and stairs.
Tour language: English
Price: Free
More info: https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/love-macritchie-walks/
