Chandigarh: Affordable Fitness Plan Launched for Senior Citizens Across City

Chandigarh, September 21, 2025 In a move to promote active ageing and well-being among the elderly, the Chandigarh administration has rolled out a new fitness plan tailored for senior citizens. Under this scheme, residents aged 60 and above can avail an annual membership for just ₹999, giving them access to all 21 sports complexes in the city. The initiative is part of the ongoing Seva Pakhwada 2025 campaign and aligns with the national Fit India Movement to encourage health and physical activity among all age groups. The 21 sports complexes offer over 40 different sporting and wellness activities. These include yoga classes, swimming pools, indoor games, walk tracks, and other low-impact fitness options suitable for senior citizens. The program has been designed keeping in mind accessibility and ease of participation, offering older residents affordable, structured opportunities to stay active, socially engaged, and physically healthy. Union Territory Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria praised the initiative, stating that it reflects the government’s commitment to the dignity, health, and social participation of senior citizens. He noted that the plan is expected not just to improve physical health but also to address loneliness and isolation, which can affect older people’s mental and social well-being. To make joining simple, the registration process is streamlined. Applicants need to provide basic age proof—such as voter ID, PAN card or driving license—along with a passport-size photo and a completed application form. The application is offered via an online portal, making access easier for those who are comfortable with digital processes; for others, help desks at the complexes will assist. City sports officials have emphasized that participation can help in preventing common age-related ailments like joint stiffness, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Health experts have also welcomed the scheme, saying preventive fitness in senior years helps reduce burden on healthcare systems and improves quality of life. Local community centers and welfare organizations in Chandigarh have already begun spreading awareness about the scheme. Many senior citizens welcomed the announcement, saying they often find participation in fitness programs either too costly or inaccessible. Several have expressed interest in trying swimming and yoga, activities especially praised for being gentle yet effective. However, some concerns were raised about whether the sports complexes are fully accessible—ramps, elevators, clean restrooms, etc.—for senior citizens with mobility issues. The administration has assured audits will be carried out to ensure complexes meet basic accessibility standards. Transportation to some remote complexes is also being looked into, with the possibility of shuttle services for those unable to travel easily. In addition to direct health benefits, the plan is seen as a social booster. Senior citizens participating in group fitness classes, swimming, and social sports are likely to find companionship and community, reducing social isolation. City officials believe the plan will foster greater intergenerational interaction, as many fitness complexes already host mixed-age classes. Overall, the fitness plan is a landmark effort for Chandigarh, seeking to combine affordability, accessibility, and social welfare. As the scheme begins, attention will turn to its uptake, the adequacy of infrastructure, and whether it can be scaled further or replicated in other cities. For senior citizens in Chandigarh, the ₹999 fitness membership may be small in cost, but large in promise for their health and community life.