Aspire 55 – Asia's first virtual retirement village
By Bryna Singh of The Straits Times
Aspire55 offers social, health and care services, but its members visit the clubhouse only for its gym and activities
Retiree Jenni Tan, 61, never imagined that she would be dragon- boating or rock-climbing in her 60s.
Fellow retiree Sophie Kho, 64, used to declare herself "allergic to exercise".
But thanks to Aspire55, which markets itself as Asia's first "virtual retirement village", both of them have been able to step out of their comfort zones.
Like retirement villages, Aspire55 offers social, health and care services, but it is more of a clubhouse than a village - its members do not make Aspire55 their new home, instead heading there only for activities.
Officially launched in 2014, Aspire55 is co-founded by entrepreneurs Janice Chia, 37, and Loke Yiing Ching, 43.
The clubhouse in Commonwealth Lane comprises a 900 sq ft indoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 100 sq ft balcony and garden growing basil, sunflowers, chillies, pomegranate and pineapples in well-tended pots.
