Fitness has always been a way of life for Jessie Toh. Her journey into the world of exercise began in the 1980s when aerobics became a global sensation — she was hooked right from the start. “Guess who was my idol? Jane Fonda!” she recalls with a laugh. “I’ve always loved to dance, and aerobics was the perfect blend of dance with exercise.” 

Captivated by the energetic and fast-paced nature of this new fitness craze, Jessie’s passion for aerobics quickly evolved from a personal interest to a profession. She became an instructor, teaching aerobics first in Singapore and later in Hong Kong, where she moved with her husband.  “It was fun to teach. I love the feeling of moving with others, of getting people to have fun and stay active.” 
 

A pause for family, but never for fitness

But when Jessie became a mother, she paused her teaching to focus on family. While family responsibilities kept her away from the classroom, fitness was never far from her mind. “Fitness has always been a part of me,” she says. “I felt so lethargic without exercise — like I was missing something. So I always knew that once my kids grew up, I would come back to it.”

And return to it she did. Jessie found her way back to teaching fitness classes for seniors over 12 years ago after raising her kids. While aerobics and dance remained a key part of her routine, Jessie soon realised the importance of strength training, especially as she aged. “As we age, muscle mass naturally declines. I was seeing it happen to myself, and I knew that I had to do something about it,” she says. 

This realisation became even more pressing when Jessie began injuring herself while caring for her husband. Recognising the need for a change, her son encouraged her to join a senior-focused gym class to learn the fundamentals of strength training. "You need to engage your core, Mum," he’d remind her. This simple advice sparked Jessie’s commitment to strength training, which helped her manage her caregiving duties safely. “I wanted to make sure I was strong enough to care for my husband, who has Parkinson’s disease,” she explains. “I have to be mindful of my own physical limits, and strength training was a game-changer.”
 

A holistic approach to well-being

For Jessie, staying active isn’t just about the physical — it’s also about nurturing the mind. At the age of 50, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a focus on community work and counselling. “It was a long time coming,” she laughs. “I had my diploma in family life education, but I knew I needed a degree to do more. I wanted to reach out to more people in my community and make a real impact.”

Today, Jessie uses her degree to teach parenting workshops, counsel families and run community-based programmes. “It’s fulfilling to reach out to others and offer support,” she says. “I use everything I’ve learned — both in fitness and personal development — to help people lead healthier, more balanced lives.” 

Giving back and empowering others

Her experience as a caregiver has profoundly influenced her desire to give back to the community. “Caring for my husband motivated me to start helping other seniors,” Jessie explains. Back in 2012, she began working with the Parkinson’s Society of Singapore to conduct Movement Fitness exercise classes for patients with Parkinson's Disease, and she continues to support them today by assisting with their caregiving workshops.  This role deepened her understanding of the challenges seniors face, particularly those managing long-term conditions. “Fitness is not about pushing limits — it’s about taking small steps and celebrating progress,” she adds, emphasising the importance of patience and consistent effort in achieving wellness.  

Inspiring the next generation of active seniors

Jessie’s passion for fitness and community extends beyond teaching aerobics classes. She also guides seniors through towel exercises, resistance training, and wellness programmes that enhance memory, functional ability, and strength. She believes that staying active isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and wants seniors to know there are options for them. “The more seniors I see trying new activities, the more encouraged I feel. It’s about finding what works for you.”

One of Jessie’s greatest joys is seeing more seniors embrace fitness and the positive changes it brings. “I’m so inspired by the seniors who come to my classes — most of whom are in their 50s to 80s,” she shares. “They’re eager to learn, grow, and improve their health.” Jessie’s fitness philosophy is simple: Start where you are, keep moving and improve. “In my fitness classes, I’ll start them on lighter weights and encourage them to increase their reps. And when they achieve it, wow, you can really see the sense of accomplishment.” 

Looking ahead: Never stop evolving

As Jessie looks to the future, she remains determined to keep growing, learning and moving. A dancer at heart, she enjoys activities that promote rhythm and movement. “I’ve always wanted to try drumming, dance yoga, K-Kardio — anything that involves rhythm!” 

Jessie’s zest for life is contagious, and it’s clear that, for her, age is just a number. “Growing older is about evolving,” she says with a smile. “I want to keep trying new things and sharing that passion with others. It’s never too late to try something new or to grow.” 

The power of staying active

Jessie’s story serves as a reminder of the benefits of staying active and engaged with life. She demonstrates that self-improvement and living a fulfilling life are possible even after 60. By continuously learning, evolving, and caring for her physical and mental well-being, Jessie proves that there’s always room for growth, no matter the stage in life. Her journey inspires us all to embrace new challenges and pursue our passions at any age.