PRESS RELEASE
Ageing Asia  Changing the future of ageing in Asia Pacific
One Commonwealth Lane, #08-34
One Commonwealth, Singapore 149544
T: (65) 6441 0474 | E: info@ageingasia.com
www.ageingasia.com[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
BEING LESS SEDENTARY CAN REDUCE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA
Singapore, 16 Aug, 2022 — How much physical activity does an older person need? A revised set ofguidelines to encourage people to stay active and be less sedentary was launched by the Sport Singapore(SportSG) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) last month. Adults above 65 years need at least 150.- 300
minutes of moderately intense exercise weekly. A recent survey shows a decrease in physical activity in residents
aged between 18 to 74, that’s 4.5% down from 80.9% in 2017. However, 33.4% of these residents exercise
regularly, which 4% higher compared to 29.4% in 2017. 42.9% do not exercise at all.
For older people, the most suitable gym stations are the resistance-invariable strength machines, the fixed, lowresistance endurance stations and the flexibility- and balance-enhancing stations. Built with seniors in mind, HUR
equipment comes complete with a computerized, automated training system, which allows for evidence-based,
smart and more independent exercise and rehabilitation. Their SmartTouch ecosystem provides a wholesome
training experience for customers and the perfect management tool for clinic and gym owners. The equipment
allows individuals to set goals and track their progress. Over time, users find that they were able to carryheavier loads that they weren’t able to when they first started. Maintaining the strength training exercise
programme is essential and complements the new physical activity recommended by SportSG and HPB.
“The reason we chose HUR equipment for the ASPIRE55 clubhouse is because it is known to be senior-friendly
equipment which uses pneumatic loading system providing a consistent load as compared to weight plates usedin regular fitness centres. The other benefit is the software that comes with equipment allowing customisation oftraining programmes for each member, tracking their progress over time.” Says Yiing Ching, Co-Founder of
ASPIRE55. “Regular gym equipment are not able to progressively add weight loads of 100grams, which issuitable for seniors, whereas HUR equipment can. Working on both concentric and eccentric movements isimportant. Walking up the stairs and standing up are concentric movements whereas walking down the stairs
and sitting down are eccentric movements. These movements which improve balance and train muscles, areessential as one ages. Pneumatic equipment are able to provide strength training for both movements, whereas
hydraulic equipment only focuses on concentric movements.”"Exercise is definitely the best anti-aging medicine for seniors! Start slowly and in low intensity, for example,
brisk walking for 10-15 minutes. As confidence increases, seniors should aim to achieve 2½ to 5 hours a weekof such moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking and swimming.", advises Professor Alan Wong, Cluster
Director of Health and Social Sciences at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). "If a senior has never
exercised before, it is best to speak to a health care provider first to get clearance to do so. Start slow, aiming
first low- and then moderate-intensity, warm up before and cool down after exercising, drink enough water andalways monitor the effectof exercise, making sure it is not too exhausting. It may also be helpful to consult exercise and fitness experts
when planning to start an exercise programme."
Professor Ken Nosaka, Lead Researcher at Edith Cowan University shares a pilot study which has begun,
investigating if eccentric exercise can actually prevent cognitive decline. Eccentric exercise are slow, lengthening
muscle contractions, specifically for a muscle. According to Dr Nosaka, the recent study shows efficacy inlowering blood pressure, bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. Improved blood flow can help
prevent cognitive decline, in turn lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. And because HUR equipment
provide both eccentric and concentric exercise using air pressure technology; this makes it ideal for senior
rehabilitation and exercise. The pneumatic technology allows for a gradual increase in weight, thus minimisingstress on joints and tissue.

Asia Pacific's First Industry Network on the Business of Ageing
A member of the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE)

1PRESS RELEASE
Ageing Asia  Changing the future of ageing in Asia Pacific
One Commonwealth Lane, #08-34
One Commonwealth, Singapore 149544
T: (65) 6441 0474 | E: info@ageingasia.com
www.ageingasia.com

Co-founder of ASPIRE55, Janice Chia
shares how seniors have improved over the years since they joined and their progression is no small feat. “MrsY, 68 year old female, has been with ASPIRE55 for 5 years. With diligent exercises twice a week, her muscle
strength has increased and her form has also improved since working out on the HUR equipment.” Looking at Ref
A, there was a significant drop during the Circuit Breaker in 2020. However, there has been gradualimprovement to get back to pre-Covid fitness level and form. The diagram refers to the results of exercise doneusing the Back Extension Load equipment by HUR.

Image: Ref A
In Singapore the utilization of non-private sports, physical activity and exercise services is either free-of-charge
or fairly reasonably priced. HUR equipment can be found at nine ActiveSG gyms around Singapore (listedbelow), active ageing hubs, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, four hospitals and Republic Polytechnic, where
they are used in training courses.
ActiveSG Gym @ Jurong Lakeside
ActiveSG Gym @ Hockey Village
ActiveSG Gym @ Toa Payoh Sports Centre

ActiveSG Gym @ AMK CC
ActiveSG Gym @ Heartbeat Bedok
ActiveSG Gym @ Tampines HUB
ActiveSG Gym @ Enabling Village
ActiveSG Gym @ Kallang Basin
ActiveSG Gym @ Serangoon Central
ASPIRE55 Health Club @ One Commonwealth
Learn more about ASPIRE55 (https://www.aspire55.com/) and HUR (https://www.hursolutions.com/).
###MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Janice Chia, Founder & Managing Director, Ageing Asia, Singapore
Email: janicechia@ageingasia.com
Sharon Carvalho, Marketing Director, Ageing Asia Singapore
Email: sharoncarvalho@ageingasia.com

Asia Pacific's First Industry Network on the Business of Ageing
A member of the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE)

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