Скачать или смотреть Senior exercise centers aim to help the elderly take charge of their health

A new fitness club just for senior citizens has opened in Hsinchu. The club is one of 14 spread out across Taiwan. It''s all part of a new government scheme to encourage seniors to take charge of their own fitness.

The timer counts down to the grand opening of the first senior health club in Hsinchu City.

Professional caregivers help club members to use exercise equipment. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is promoting projects like this all over the country, to help the elderly extend their physical fitness and mental agility, with support from local health centers, care homes and community centers.

Chu Chien-fang
MOHW Long-term Care Dept. head
This is an exemplary project, launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare late last year. We selected 14 centers nationwide, and we want to attract healthy citizens aged 50 and over to come and visit.

Unlike standard exercise machines, this hydraulic exercise equipment is safer for seniors. They can use it with much less caution or fear of injury. Fitness centers for seniors are soon to spring up across Taiwan.

Chu Chien-fang
MOHW Long-term Care Dept. head
In the next five years, elderly health centers like this will be built in 288 locations. We want to encourage our citizens to develop good health habits, to take charge of their own health as they age, and reduce the need for care for infirmity.

As Taiwan''s birthrate falls, it''s heading for a more elderly future than ever. These centers should help senior citizens stay healthy and happy through their autumn years.