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Parkour helps Singapore’s elderly boost agility, strength

From FBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Parkour classes in Singapore are helping elderly individuals improve balance, strength, and flexibility, gaining significant social media attention.
  • Coach Tan Shie Boon adapted parkour techniques to teach fall prevention and build confidence in seniors, with participants reporting enhanced mobility and independence.
  • The program, Movement Singapore, addresses the challenge of maintaining health in Singapore's rapidly aging population, with participants achieving abilities beyond typical expectations for their age.

Parkour, a discipline often associated with youthful daring, is finding a new application in Singapore as a coach uses its techniques to enhance the balance and strength of the elderly. Tan Shie Boon, founder of Movement Singapore, has adapted the intense sport to teach older adults how to fall safely and avoid debilitating injuries, thereby boosting their confidence in their own mobility.

That was wonderful, I just discovered that I ​could do that

— Betty BoonDescribing her newfound independence after improving her mobility through parkour classes.

The program has seen a surge in interest, with millions of views on social media, highlighting the growing need to keep Singapore's aging population healthy. The city-state, which became "super-aged" in 2025 with over a fifth of its population aged 65 or older, faces the challenge of rising life expectancy. Participants like 69-year-old Betty Boon have experienced life-changing benefits, such as being able to haul luggage up stairs independently, a freedom she attributes to the classes.

Boon shared that the classes are not only beneficial for physical health, improving strength, flexibility, and heart health, but also serve as a valuable social outlet. Another participant, a 64-year-old woman, reportedly abandoned her walking trolley after just two months of practice, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in resolving balance issues.

I think some of my students (have) grown through the years in terms of strength and ​so they are ​able to showcase ⁠abilities that are not normal for, say, a 60-year-old or 70-year-old

— Tan Shie BoonHighlighting the significant physical improvements observed in his elderly students.

Coach Tan, 33, noted that his students have shown remarkable progress, developing strength and abilities uncommon for their age. He believes the contrast between parkour's perceived risk and its elderly participants has captured public curiosity, especially after Movement Singapore's Instagram page went viral. Tan encourages his students to "keep proving to yourself that you can do more than you think you could."

Just keep proving to yourself that you can do more than you think you could

— Tan Shie BoonOffering encouragement to his students and reflecting the program's philosophy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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