Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Published in 2016 by the Ministry of Health
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.
ISBN 978-981-09-8536-3
CONTENTS
Foreword 4
Chapter 1
Our Aspirations for a Silver Singapore 6
How many Singaporeans are 65 or older? 8
Public consultation: We heard you 10
Chapter 2
Action Plan for Successful Ageing 24
Chapter 3
Opportunities for All Ages 30
Chapter 4
Kampong for All Ages 52
Chapter 5
City for All Ages 62
Acknowledgements 81
2 3
Lets
FOREWORD re-define
ageing
Last year, we celebrated a significant milestone
for Singapore. Our baby boomers have grown up
with our nation and the majority will turn 65 over
the next two decades. There is no better time to
plan for an ageing population as we progress
towards SG100.
4 5
CHAPTER 1
OUR
ASPIRATIONS
FOR A SILVER
SINGAPORE
Singapore is ageing rapidly, though
our society can remain dynamic
and cohesive. Many Singaporeans
shared with us their aspirations and
ideas on how to transform the face
of ageing in the next 50 years.
6 77
As we have fewer babies,
HOW MANY there will be far fewer
Singaporeans of working
ARE 65 OR OLDER ?
1
1 in 31
OUR POPULATION
IS AGEING RAPIDLY. 1970 2015 2030
In 1970, 1 in 31 Singaporeans was 65 or older. YEAR
In 2015, it was 1 in 8. By 2030, it will be 1 in 4.
We will have over 900,000 seniors, approximately
double the current 440,000.
Seniors aged Working adults aged
65 and above between 20 and 64
79.6
YEAR 2004 YEARS
3.4
65 and above under the age of 65
YEAR 2004
72.1 MORE
YEARS
AVERAGE HEALTHY
HEALTHY YEARS YEAR 2010
75.5 YEARS
YEARS
1
Source: Department of Statistics & Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, MOH.
8 9
Public consultation
WE HEARD YOU
Between June 2014 and May 2015, the Ministerial
Committee on Ageing and our partners engaged over 4,000
Singaporeans from all walks of life to hear their aspirations
and ideas on how we can help Singaporeans age well.
Online consultations
10 11
1 EMPLOYABILITY
Ageless workplaces, lifelong employability
2 LIFELONG LEARNING
Never too old to go back to school
I learnt how
to use Facebook
I want to work at a polytechnic!
for as long as Now I train other
I can. It keeps seniors to do the
my mind active. same. Can we
have more of
such courses?
Many seniors want to work beyond Promote workplace health and safety. Seniors want to keep learning, for work Bring learning to the community,
the official retirement age to remain and for personal interest. Learning helps such as at Residents Committee
financially independent and keep Review or extend retirement age them to keep their minds active and centres and other suitable facilities.
themselves active. Seniors hope to have some think it should be extended to to stay in touch with society. Seniors
meaningful job opportunities to fulfil their 70, while others feel it should be cite affordability, access and entry
abolished entirely. Affordability
aspirations at their stage of life; a fair and requirements as some barriers to lifelong
inclusive workplace to work in; and an learning. Seniors hope to see a more Help seniors to offset the cost of learning.
Provide good career guidance and
enabling workplace that is safe and uses diverse range of learning opportunities
transition programmes a few years
technology to help them excel in their jobs. that are easily accessible. They also want Adult education
ahead of the re-employment age.
courses tailored for their age and to be Train teachers in the art of teaching
Promote mind-set change recognised for skills and experiences older learners.
To make workplaces ageless, suggestions they have acquired. They also feel that
among employers on the value
from seniors and employers include: more can be done to publicise learning Facilitate peer learning where
of older workers.
opportunities for seniors. seniors teach seniors.
Re-design jobs to offer older Allow older workers to try out Promote inter-generational learning.
workers greater flexibility. jobs via internships or job trials.
Suggestions on how to encourage more Promote new modes of learning, such as
Make training accessible and Recognise employers who seniors to pursue lifelong learning as a e-learning, modular learning, interactive
effective for older workers. treat older workers well. way of life include: and experiential learning.
Set up a dedicated seniors-only Promote inter-generational
national job bank. Accessibility Awareness
workplace harmony.
Increase the variety of learning options. Increase awareness of senior learning
Seniors want to take courses at Institutes opportunities through a one-stop
of Higher Learning but without sitting portal, distribution of flyers and
for examinations. outdoor advertising.
12 13
3 SENIOR VOLUNTEERISM
Helping others, fulfilling lives
4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Healthy seniors, happy seniors
I am setting the
example for my
I am most worried
about depression
children and and loneliness
grandchildren. after my children
I want them to have married
know that giving and moved out
back is the right and my husband
thing to do.
has passed on.
Seniors can and want to give back to society. Suggestions from seniors and volunteer Seniors say that to age well, one must Access
Volunteerism is a meaningful way to do so organisations on how to encourage older be healthy physically, mentally, socially,
Create one-stop wellness hubs in the
while creating a positive impact. Seniors people to volunteer include: and emotionally. Seniors want to live
neighbourhood which offer a range of
would like to have volunteering opportunities more healthily, with access to information
Recruitment health and wellness activities and services,
that interest them and where they can apply on health issues for people their age,
such as talks and seminars, health screening,
their skills and expertise. Some prefer more Start a national movement to promote health checks and exercise opportunities
senior volunteerism. and simple information and referral services.
flexible arrangements, including being able near their homes or at their workplaces.
to volunteer closer to where they live. Seniors Create diverse volunteerism opportunities Enhance screening packages to include
would like volunteerism among older people that seniors can choose from, to best suit screening for fall risk, vision and hearing.
to be promoted nationally and for recognition their interests and skills. Suggestions on how we can keep our
Educate seniors with different physical
to be given to senior volunteers. They would seniors healthy, happy and well include:
abilities on the types of exercises that
also like more training courses to empower Help seniors find volunteer opportunities
they can do.
them to be effective volunteers. near their homes.
Awareness
Provide mobile health services to
Keep volunteer sign-on processes Give seniors a health journal in which they
simple and provide induction training seniors living in the community.
Organisations that recruit senior volunteers can keep track of their health screening
for new volunteers.
regard them as valuable assets, given their and vaccination details. This journal could
skills and experience. However, these Active community
also contain tips on staying healthy.
Retention
organisations face challenges in attracting Tap on volunteers to befriend seniors at
senior volunteers, in part because there is Provide training and support Conduct health and wellness talks on a
home or to accompany frail seniors to
currently no dedicated platform or mechanism for senior volunteers. wider range of issues, such as how to
their medical appointments.
to match seniors (according to their interests, maintain a healthy relationship between
Support senior volunteers out-of-pocket spouses as well as gender-specific issues. Design health activities for the whole family,
skills, preferred venues and availability) to expenses, such as travel costs.
volunteering opportunities. Organisations are so that seniors can get involved along with
Develop a guide to affordable and healthy
aware there is a need to design more suitable Create volunteer development pathways their family members.
diet options for seniors. Deliver health
volunteering opportunities for seniors, so that the more experienced ones can
take on leadership roles and mentor promotion messages to seniors doorsteps, Encourage employers to promote a
particularly those that are less physically
newer volunteers. via mass media and the distribution of flyers. healthy lifestyle to their mature workforce.
demanding. Many also lack the resources to
set up and maintain sound volunteer
management systems and practices, including Recognition
IT, manpower systems and volunteer training. Recognise and appreciate senior volunteers.
14 15
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
5 AND INCLUSION
Connecting people of all ages
6 AGED CARE SERVICES
Ageing-in-place, remaining independent
I think young
Can we have day
and night care in the
people should void deck? We would
respect seniors like to take care of
but I also think our elderly parents
that seniors but when we cannot
should respect manage, can we bring
young people. them downstairs
to a professional?
Seniors hope to see an inclusive Seniors want to age comfortably and More assistance with information
society where the young respect and gracefully in the communities where and referral services.
care for the old. They also hope for they live. Seniors want eldercare
more social spaces near their homes centres and primary care services Increase accessibility to
where they can interact frequently like General Practitioner (GP) clinics home and community services
with other seniors so that they will and polyclinics nearer their homes.
be less lonely. They also hope that aged care facilities Increase homecare and eldercare
will offer a wider range of activities centre capacity.
in the future to keep their minds and Better organisation of transport
Suggestions on how we can strengthen bodies active. Meanwhile, caregivers
care and respect for seniors include: services to help seniors get access
want more support in caring for their
to centre-based aged care services.
elderly loved ones, such as respite
Leverage technology such as care and financial support. Wider range of home and community
chat groups on mobile platforms care options for seniors in need of care.
to build social support networks
Eldercare centres should provide a
within the communities. Suggestions on how seniors can
wider range of meaningful activities.
be supported to remain independent
Work with schools to nurture
and to age in the community include: Bring health services closer to
a culture of respect for seniors
the community. These include
among our youth.
Greater support for caregivers consultations with dieticians and
Create more opportunities medication reconciliation services.
for inter-generational interaction, Equip caregivers with better
for instance by co-locating caregiving skills.
Affordability
eldercare and childcare facilities. More respite services for caregivers.
Provide greater funding support for aged
Introduce eldercare leave. care services, especially for the needy.
16 17
7 HOUSING
Supporting changing needs
8 TRANSPORT
Re-defining the travel experience
18 19
Re-defining the
journey home
THE Land Transport Authority
(LTA) held a series of Focus Group
Discussions and a Senior Footprint
Mapping Exercise, where LTA
officers accompanied some seniors
on their daily public transport journey,
to better understand their travel
patterns and needs.
5
footprint mapping exercise at
1 3
Madam Tan embarked on her Madam Tan arrived at Bishan Her next task was to find the
Bishan MRT station. These seniors
first mission to take the train station and continued on her nearest toilet. The sign says
were unfamiliar with Bishan MRT
from Toa Payoh station to second mission to find her 240 metres, yet at the end
station, and were tasked with
Bishan station. She easily way to the Circle Line and the of the 240 metres is this lift.
completing a series of simple
found the escalator at Toa train platform indicating the Where is the toilet?
wayfinding missions centred
Payoh station leading to the way to Serangoon station. She
around the station. suggested clearer signages
platform to take the train.
could be placed to help her
LTA officers accompanied the better navigate the transport
seniors throughout the exercise system. LTA is reviewing how to
to observe, and better understand improve the wayfinding signage
and empathise with seniors at the interchange stations.
experiences of our public transport
system. This also allowed them
to obtain direct feedback on
how to make the transport
network more senior-friendly.
2 4 6
Madam Tan managed to find Next, Madam Tan was
The feedback from this exercise She approached an SMRT
a seat within the train. She asked to find her way to
will go into LTAs review of the design officer for help and realised she
constantly checked the MRT the tap-out area of Bishan
and placement of directional signs in needed to take the lift and tap
display routemap to ensure she station. She was glad that
bus interchanges and MRT stations, out of the station in order to get
knows where she was and how there was a sign at the
to better cater to seniors needs. to the nearest toilet like at all
far she was from her stop. platform that led her to it. other stations. LTA is reviewing
the signage.
20 21
9 PUBLIC SPACES
Making our urban infrastructure more senior-friendly
10 RESEARCH ON AGEING
Understanding needs, encouraging innovation
It is worth studying
the differences among
Senior-friendly different ageing
design should sub-populations,
not be an to understand what
matters in enabling
afterthought. people to age
in a better way.
Seniors want to lead active lives. Friendlier Experts highlighted the need for need for social connectivity.
They tell us that we need to make Singapore to conduct more research
Improve wheelchair access to public Research into the factors that
our public places safer, friendlier into ageing. Research should be specific
amenities such as hawker centres
and better equipped with amenities. to the local context and involve motivate seniors to remain in the
and eating outlets.
Seniors feel that the government researchers from various disciplines. workforce and to engage in
should actively promote awareness Install signage with wordings in Research outcomes should also be lifelong learning and volunteerism.
and interest in senior-friendly bigger fonts in public areas. applicable to real life scenarios.
urban design. Ageing-in-place
Install more sheltered walkways
with railings and gentle ramps. Experts identified the following research Study how urban design and
Specific suggestions include: Install more benches with backrests priorities for Singapore: architecture affects a persons living
and handles on both sides so seniors space as they age. Living Laboratories
Safer can sit down and stand up easily. Expanding health span can be created to study how adaptable
design concepts can be applied to
Increase the lighting along pedestrian Research into the prevention as well as
pathways and use non-slip flooring. Additional amenities address the ageing communitys
the management of age-related conditions.
Surfaces with grooves should be evolving needs.
Install more senior-friendly toilets Research into effective programmes
replaced so that wheelchair-users in public places. that can delay the decline of brain function. Research into care models that can
can navigate these pathways too.
Situate essential services such as better and more effectively support
Improve steps and stairways. clinics, aged care facilities and food seniors and their caregivers.
Productive longevity
There should be ample handrails establishments near residences.
and the height of the steps should Research into retirement adequacy or ways Research on seniors social
be kept lower. Steps should also Create more social spaces within to help seniors transit from employment connectivity, and its link to depression
be wide enough and have good residential areas, to encourage seniors to retirement, and how to meet their and loneliness.
colour contrast. to meet with friends and neighbours.
22 23
CHAPTER 2
ACTION
PLAN FOR
SUCCESSFUL
AGEING
A Nation for All Ages. We want Singapore
to be the best place for Singaporeans to grow
old in, and a model for successful ageing.
24 25
THE ACTION
PLAN FOR
SUCCESSFUL
AGEING
is jointly developed by government agencies,
voluntary welfare and non-profit organisations,
academia, businesses, community and union leaders,
with feedback received from our public consultation.
1 A SUCCESSFULLY
AGEING SINGAPORE
26 27
2 OUR KEY INITIATIVES
AND TARGETS*
Lifelong Employability
The re-employment age will be raised from
65 to 67 by 2017, to enable workers to work
longer if they are willing and able to, with the
possibility of further increases in the future
as our population ages.
* We plan to achieve the targets within the next 10-15 years, except where stated otherwise.
28 29
CHAPTER 3
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR ALL AGES
Longevity is Opportunity. Seniors will have
opportunities to continue working, learning
and growing as they enjoy many more years
of healthy life.
30 31
1
The positive outcomes are: The government will continue to maximise
LIFELONG the employability of Singaporeans
Our employment rate for residents aged throughout their longer life spans.
EMPLOYABILITY 55 to 64 grew by 13.5 percentage points
from 2006 to 2015 to reach a record high
In the past decade, Singapores tripartite Training (CET) to help Singaporeans of 67.2% in 2015 2. We have one of the
partners the government, unions and re-skill and up-skill, as they highest older population employment rates
employers have introduced a number of progressed in their careers or amongst OECD 3 countries.
measures to facilitate the lifelong employability switched jobs.
of our older workers. For example: Our re-employment rate is also high;
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair nearly all local employees who turned
and Progressive Employment 62 between July 2013 and June 2014
The Retirement and Re-employment Act
Practices (TAFEP) was formed in were offered re-employment.
was enacted in 2012 to provide more
2006 to encourage employers,
opportunities for workers to work beyond Median gross monthly incomes of older
employees and the general public
the statutory minimum retirement age of full-time employed resident workers
to view older workers more positively.
62 and up to the age of 65. aged 55 and above grew by 2.6%
In 2013, the tripartite partners per annum in real terms over the last five
The Special Employment Credit, which
introduced the WorkPro programme years 4. This was higher than the increase
offsets the monthly wages of Singaporean
to help employers put in place for full-time employed residents in general.
employees aged above 50 earning up to
initiatives to improve work-life
$4,000 a month, was introduced in 2011.
harmony, and to recruit and retain 2
Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey, Manpower Research & Statistics Department, MOM.
The government expanded and enhanced older workers and back-to-work 3
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
the system of Continuing Education and locals to meet their manpower needs. 4
Data pertain to gross monthly income from work (including employer CPF contributions) of full-time employed residents, excluding full-time National
Servicemen. The compounded annual growth rate was derived for the period of 2009 to 2014 based on incomes deflated by the Consumer Price Index
for all items at 2014 prices. Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey, Manpower Research & Statistics Department, MOM.
32 33
In the next five years, we will introduce TAFEP will continue to shape a fair the health issues most salient to them.
a number of new initiatives to help and inclusive workplace culture by
Singaporeans remain employable as they age. educating and supporting employers Some Voluntary Welfare Organisations,
These initiatives address seniors call for to adopt age-inclusive employment such as Centre for Seniors (CFS), have
more job and training opportunities, as well practices. This is complemented developed programmes to help older
as their different aspirations. by the Ministry of Manpowers workers seeking a career transition as
interventions, where companies found well as those preparing for retirement.
The re-employment age will be to have discriminatory employment The CFS programme will help seniors
raised from 65 to 67 by 2017, to practices will have their work pass better understand government schemes
enable workers to work longer if privileges curtailed. in housing, healthcare and retirement
they are willing and able to, with adequacy. There will also be a programme
the possibility of further increases The Ministry of Health (MOH) and to train union leaders to be effective
in the future as our population ages. the Health Promotion Board will bring advocates of re-employment and
healthy lifestyle activities to the retirement matters. After the training,
SkillsFuture will enable seniors to take doorstep of mature workers. A new they will be able to coach older workers
ownership of their training and career workplace health programme will be
in their respective sectors on related
needs and embrace lifelong learning. implemented across seven sectors
topics, such as how to plan for retirement
targeting 120,000 mature workers aged
or switch to a new career.
40 and above. As part of the programme,
we will survey the workers to understand
THE RANGE OF SKILLSFUTURE MOH hopes to partner community
the key health issues that they face,
INITIATIVES INCLUDES: organisations and companies to
provide health screenings at the
workplaces and design workplace-specific provide more bite-sized job opportunities
Skills-Based Modular Courses for seniors within the community.
preventive health programmes to address
offered by Post-Secondary
Education Institutions (PSEIs)
The government will continue to
These provide more flexible, support employers to re-design jobs
bite-sized and targeted learning for seniors and create age-friendly
opportunities at PSEIs for working workplaces. Under WorkPro, there are
adults to acquire relevant skills various grants to support employers to
without necessarily pursuing a full re-design their workplace practices,
qualification programme. processes and jobs. WorkPro will be
extended and enhanced in 2016 to
SkillsFuture Mid-Career catalyse companies efforts to re-design
Enhanced Subsidy jobs for older workers. To build capabilities,
Since the second half of 2015, the tripartite partners are working with
all Singapore Citizens aged 40 Institutes of Higher Learning to further
and above enjoy higher subsidies develop a training programme specific
of up to 90% of course fees for to the management of older workers
Singapore Workforce Development in Singapore. The programme covers
Agency-supported certifiable core topics including human resource
courses. They also enjoy at least management, sociological aspects of
90% of programme cost for ageing, workplace safety and health
Ministry of Education-subsidised and job re-design. In addition to building
full-time and part-time courses local capabilities in age management,
(Nitec to postgraduate courses) we are developing a job re-design
at the Institute of Technical toolkit to provide practical guidance
Education, polytechnics and to companies on re-designing jobs
publicly-funded universities. for a mature workforce.
34 35
Taxi drivers
get a tune-up
IT IS not easy being a taxi driver in The two men, however, had to take a This partnership with ComfortDelGro and kway teow and have switched from
Singapore. They are on the road for different route with their lifestyle when SMRT is part of HPBs efforts to step up kopi (coffee) with sugar and milk to now
12 hours a day or more, rain or shine, health coaches from the Health Promotion its workplace health promotion programmes, kopi-o kosong (black coffee with no
dealing with passengers of all types, Board (HPB) and Alexandra Health System especially for mature workers who are not sugar). I also ask for less rice and more
taking short breaks for a hurried meal visited their respective taxi service centres desk-bound, work shifts and may find it vegetables. I lost around 4.5kg; my
or a trip to the toilet. By the time they as part of a new workplace health screening difficult to fit in a visit to the doctor for a trousers feel loose and my blood pressure
get home, they are too exhausted to programme called Check Car, Check Body health check. has gone down too. Now he encourages
think about exercise or even having a which started in June 2014. While their taxis his taxi driver friends to attend the
healthy meal. are being serviced, the drivers get a And the programme has garnered success. Check Car, Check Body programme too.
tune-up themselves. HPB found that 50% of taxi drivers who
ComfortDelGro taxi driver Lim Ah Bah had high blood pressure, blood glucose For Mr Mazlan, the hamburgers have
(facing page), 65, has been plying the The programme offers taxi drivers a free or cholesterol readings at the first taken a backseat. He said: My diet now
streets of Singapore for 37 years and health screening for high blood pressure, screening and returned for the second consists mainly of fish and vegetables.
confesses that indulging in his favourite high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. health screening have shown improvement They are not my favourite, but I have to
dishes like nasi briyani and char kway Health coaches stationed at the service in their screening results. They also made think of my health for the longer term.
teow makes him happy after a long day centres conduct monthly one-on-one changes to their diet and made an effort
at the wheel. follow-up sessions to customise a health to exercise frequently. Since 2015, the He has shed 5kg after six months and
plan for each driver. The coaches also programme has been extended to more hopes to drop a few more. Like those
SMRT taxi driver Mazlan Mohamed Ali advise them on how to prevent or manage ComfortDelGro and SMRT service centres mobile health screening buses that came
(below) also faces the same problem. chronic diseases, how to put less stress around the island, reaching out to more to my school when I was younger, this
The 41-year-old, who has been driving on their necks and backs while driving as than 8,800 taxi drivers. Check Car, Check Body programme
taxis for almost three years, treats well as how to deal with fatigue. A second has been a wake-up call for what we
himself to his favourite meal of screening is then conducted around twelve For Mr Lim, the programme proved to be take for granted and forget to take care
hamburgers, especially if he has months later to determine any improvement a great motivator. He said: After three to of in our busy schedules our health,
had a tough day on the road. to their health status. four months, I now go easy on the char added Mr Mazlan.
36 37
May the
SilverForce
Mr Goh, who is now the managing
partner in a firm that offers training
be with you
for management consulting skills,
said: Providing such services gets
the seniors out of their houses and
into social spaces. It helps them
learn problem-solving skills and lets
them earn some pocket money.
At the same time, businesses can
have a local source of labour at
competitive rates and this reduces
the need for outsourcing.
3 SENIOR
VOLUNTEERISM
community organisations better
recruit and develop senior volunteers.
The fund will be established through
public donations, with a dollar-to-dollar
We have started a national senior match by the government, capped
volunteerism movement so that at $20 million.
seniors can contribute their talents
and experience. We aim to recruit an NVPC has been reaching out to
Currently in his third year at UniSIM, additional 50,000 senior volunteers. businesses in its efforts to promote
Mr Lee is not fazed that he is corporate giving in Singapore.
attending classes with students NVPC will encourage businesses to
who are his childrens age. rally some 10,000 older employees
The Presidents Challenge will
continue to champion a national to be involved in corporate giving
He said: Before I started the course, or volunteerism opportunities.
I was a little anxious and shy as senior volunteerism movement.
95% of the cohort is made up of The National Volunteer and Philanthropy
youngsters. But they have taken Centre (NVPC) has also introduced NVPC has launched the Giving.sg
to me and they are always asking a new senior category in the annual portal to help individuals locate
me to team up with them for class Presidents Volunteerism and volunteer opportunities. Seniors
HE HAS a bachelors degree in discussions and projects. Philanthropy Awards, to provide can use this portal to search for
management, an MBA, a DBA national recognition to exemplary volunteer opportunities based on
(Doctorate in Business Administration) He thinks he learns from them senior volunteers. their interest, skills, availability
and now, at 70, Mr Lee Chee Ngauk as much as they learn from him. or preferred volunteering location.
is two years away from getting his There is a lot of mutual learning A Silver Volunteer Fund with a target The portal will facilitate an easier and
degree in accountancy. between us. It makes things size of $40 million will be set up to help more meaningful giving experience.
very lively.
Since I was young, I knew I wanted
to be an all-rounder, to know different Mr Lee doesnt plan to stop with this
things. As I run a management and accountancy degree. Hes already got
consultancy business, there is an even his mind set on the next one, in law.
greater need to be multi-disciplinary,
he added. He said: The more I know of one
subject, the less I know of other
In 2013, Mr Lee signed up at UniSIM topics. The law is required in
for a degree in accountancy. What anything we do, so its important
I have studied so far is related to that I understand it. Once I graduate
business. I needed the accounting with that degree, what I really hope
know-how to better serve my clients, to do is pro bono work and give
he explained. back to society.
40 41
The rainbow kuih lapis I feel younger...
that helped build when I help people
Jamiyah Singapore to be happy
Jamiyah Singapore, remains the
advisor to the societys Women and
Family Department. She organises
charity carnivals, develops womens
programmes and even opens her
home to people of different races and
religions for major occasions. She also
rolls up the sleeves of her baju kurung
and cooks up a feast when required,
often encouraging other women to join
her. In 2015, she helped volunteers
pack 10,000 packets of briyani to feed
those who attended Jamiyahs annual
religious and cultural event Maulidur
WHEN Madam Hajjah Zainab Khamis Rasul Jamiyah.
(holding book) started volunteering
45 years ago, she had no idea her Jamiyahs vice-president Dr H.M.
baking skills would have such an impact Saleem knows the value of a veteran Mr Albert Louis, 65
on Jamiyah Singapore (the Muslim volunteer like Madam Zainab. He said: Active senior and drum expert
Missionary Society of Singapore). When we call, volunteers hesitate to
Her weekly cooking classes and her come. But when she calls, they come.
rainbow kuih lapis raised much needed I HAVE been playing the drums for the seniors especially those with
They respect her.
funds for the organisation founded in over 50 years... and I am convinced dementia, Parkinsons disease or
1932 to help the Muslim community. As for Madam Zainab, her decades of they have the power to heal. When those who have a disability. I have
cooking and baking for Jamiyah have I gave up a successful career in seen how playing the drums can
It all began in 1970 when her husband, been worth it. Jamiyah and the music I was very tired of touring improve their coordination and,
the late Haji Abu Bakar Maidin, community are one family and that is all the time I wanted to devote more importantly, restore their
became the president of Jamiyah very precious to me. I will sacrifice myself to volunteering with children, self-esteem and confidence.
Singapore. With only $5.60 in its kitty what I can for the good of the the elderly and the mentally ill.
and 190 members, the society I am also living proof that one is
community. I will continue to serve
embarked on a fund-raising effort I wanted to stay creative and yet never too old to learn. At 65, after
for as long as I can, she said.
as well as a membership recruitment use drumming as a means to years of playing so many kinds of
drive. The aim was to rebuild its touch other peoples lives. After all, percussion instruments from
I had co-founded two successful the Malay kompang to the Western
headquarters in Geylang and
local bands Culture Shock and drums, Chinese cymbals, Indian
fund its welfare programmes.
Culture Vulture in the 1980s and tabla and Korean janggu I recently
Madam Zainab chipped in by holding 1990s. I even toured for two years picked up yet another instrument
cooking classes which became hugely as a percussionist with Mando-pop called the Noodle, an electric
popular among the women in the artiste A-Mei in the late 1990s. I was percussion instrument that looks
community and her now-famous rainbow paid very well but, after a while, it all like a flat noodle. If I can do it,
kuih lapis (rainbow steamed layer cake) became a job. so can other seniors. We need to
sold like... hot cakes. believe that we are just as good as
Now, when I see people play the a younger person. And we can and
Now a sprightly 80, Madam Zainab, drums, I can sense they are happy. do want to lead meaningful lives.
or Mak Nab as she is known around I hope to bring this happiness to We need to be given the chance.
42 43
Going forward, the Ministry of Health
will launch a new National Seniors
Health Programme to systematically
promote health education and preventive
health services for older adults. The
national programme will seek to educate
seniors on key health issues related to
age, encourage seniors to adopt healthy
living habits and bring preventive health
services to their doorsteps. We target to
reach over 400,000 older adults.
4 NATIONAL SENIORS
HEALTH PROGRAMME
A public education programme
on dementia to raise awareness about
the condition so caregivers can seek
help early if they identify signs in their
Over the past few years, several The CFSP comprises a series of tests and care recipients.
organisations have introduced programmes questionnaires that cover the following
A falls prevention education programme
to promote health and wellness among areas: continence, mood, physical function,
to equip seniors with self-assessment
our seniors. In 2008, the Peoples oral health, hearing and vision. In 2013, the
tools, tips to reduce the risk of falls,
Association introduced the Wellness Agency for Integrated Care started working
and community-based interventions.
Programme which encouraged older with community-based organisations to set
persons to go for regular health screening up Community Resource, Engagement A set of strength and balance
for chronic diseases as well as to remain and Support Teams (CREST) to reach out exercises suitable for seniors of
physically and socially active through to seniors who may be at risk of dementia different physical abilities to
activities such as brisk walking and Tai Chi. or depression. CREST teams educate the encourage all seniors to exercise.
The programme has since been implemented public on the possible signs of dementia
island-wide. In 2010, HPB introduced and depression, to raise greater awareness Practical healthy eating tips for seniors.
the Community Functional Screening about these conditions so that more timely A health booklet to help seniors keep
Programme (CFSP) to detect early signs support and intervention can be provided track of their health status, including
of functional decline in seniors aged 60 and to individuals at risk of or with dementia/ screening results and vaccination records.
above, so that they can go for appropriate depression. Currently, there are 10 CREST
treatment and make lifestyle changes to teams in the community which have reached Mobile health services to take preventive
remain independent and active. out to more than 32,000 seniors island-wide. health services to the doorstep of seniors
in their communities.
A pilot community dental programme
to improve the oral health of seniors
in the community.
44 45
Next come the practical assessments.
Ready,
get set, go!
SOME seniors think that as long as
they exercise, their risk of falling is low.
But the truth is that other factors like
poor sight and hearing, medication and
even insomnia can also add to the risk.
1
To assess the fall risk of seniors and to Madam Seah tests her grip
educate them before accidents happen,
4 5
strength as poor grip strength
The Forward Reach Test assesses The Chair Stand Test gauges
Alexandra Health System has started could suggest frailty.
her ability to reach forward without her lower limb strength she
a falls assessment programme that
losing her balance. has to get up from a sitting
screens residents living in the North of
position and sit down again,
Singapore either through walk-ins to the
all the time with her arms
Community Nurse Posts such as the
folded across her chest.
Wellness Centre @ Nee Soon South and
Chong Pang Social Service Hub or
public call-ins for appointments. The
session gives the nurse a chance to
assess the seniors risk of falling and
share with them the things they could
do to lower it. Madam Grace Seah, 70,
thought she would give it a try as she
had been feeling unsteady on her feet.
2
She thought it might be because of her She clicks on the mouse each
weak knees or insomnia. time the giant button on
screen lights up. Normal
The test starts with a nurse taking reaction time indicates good
readings of Madam Seahs blood eye-mind-hand coordination.
pressure and weight, and assessing her
vision and health condition of her feet.
This is followed by questions about her
health and fall history. Next, a series of
tests to check Madam Seahs strength,
reflexes and visual acuity.
3
up. But now that the nurse says it To test her contrast sensitivity,
could be my back because thats Madam Seah has to match the
where Im experiencing pain, I might
6
symbol she sees. Poor contrast
want to schedule some physiotherapy The Timed Up and Go Test measures Madam Seahs ability and time taken
sensitivity would make driving
appointments to learn the right way to to stand, walk three metres, turn around at the cone, walk back and sit
or climbing the stairs in dim
exercise my back. down safely. No sweat at all!
conditions difficult.
46 47
better support ageing-in-place. The severe intermediate and long-term care patients
disability insurance scheme ElderShield in 2015. These recent steps to improve the
provides a fixed-term monthly cash payout affordability of long-term care have assuaged
of $300 or $400 for up to 60 or 72 months anxieties and reduced financial burdens.
respectively to help defray out-of-pocket
expenses for the severely disabled. To recognise the contributions of our Pioneers
and give them peace of mind on healthcare
costs, the government also introduced the
The $10 million Seniors Mobility Fund
Pioneer Generation Package in 2014.
was expanded into a $50 million Seniors
Pioneers receive additional subsidies on
Mobility and Enabling Fund in 2013 to
top of subsidies at polyclinics and Specialist
help seniors live independently within the Outpatient Clinics, and participating General
community, through subsidies for assistive Practitioner and dental clinics under the
devices such as walking aids, wheelchairs, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
geriatric chairs and hospital beds, transport Pioneers also receive annual Medisave
5
to eldercare and dialysis centres funded top-ups for life and special premium subsidies
RETIREMENT two-thirds of households. Subsidies by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and home for MediShield Life. Under the Pioneer
for home-and community-based healthcare items such as catheters and
ADEQUACY services such as day care for seniors milk supplements. Drug subsidies were also
Generation Disability Assistance Scheme,
disabled Pioneers receive life-long cash
Seniors want to feel assured that they can afford were also increased to up to 80% to progressively extended to MOH-subsidised assistance to help with their care expenses.
their living expenses, healthcare and long-term
care needs, after they retire.
48 49
Singaporeans now have more approaching 55 years of age to
flexibility over their CPF savings. make informed decisions about
Singaporeans can choose to transfer their CPF savings.
their CPF balances above their Basic
Retirement Sum to their spouses so The Ministry of Health will review
they can take full advantage of the the financing system for long-term
extra interest on lower balances and care, to give Singaporeans greater
enjoy a higher effective rate overall. assurance that they will be able
They will also be given a choice to afford aged care services for
to defer their CPF LIFE payout up themselves or their loved ones,
to the age of 70, or top-up their should they need it. The review will
Retirement Accounts up to the consider how to balance the affordability
Enhanced Retirement Sum, to enjoy of long-term care with the need to
ensure longer-term sustainability of
permanently higher payouts.
our national expenditure on care. It will
Furthermore, CPF members will consider factors such as how much of
only need to choose their CPF LIFE the costs of aged care should be borne
plans at the time they wish to start by individuals and their families and how
Going forward, we want to provide to accumulate a higher level of CPF receiving payouts. A one-to-one much should be risk-pooled, and how
Singaporeans with greater peace of mind. savings during their working years retirement planning service has to help Singaporeans save for long-term
for their retirement needs. also been introduced to help members care needs when they are younger.
The new Silver Support Scheme
supplements the incomes of the
bottom 20% to 30% of Singaporeans
aged 65 and above, who have lesser
means in their retirement years. Silver
Support is a permanent feature in our
social security system. The assessment
for Silver Support eligibility is done
automatically, so there is no need for any
application. Silver Support is paid out
quarterly, with eligible seniors receiving
between $300 and $750 per quarter. All
seniors who qualify for Silver Support will
receive these supplements for life, as long
as they remain eligible.
50 51
CHAPTER 4
KAMPONG
FOR ALL
AGES
Cohesive home with inter-generational
harmony. Singapore must be a cohesive
community where seniors can age actively
and happily. We should try to ensure that
our seniors do not feel lonely or become
socially isolated.
52 53
1
Expand the network of social services The Ministry of Health (MOH) piloted
DEVELOP COMMUNITIES OF CARE to support low-income and vulnerable a community befriending programme
54 55
I feel younger... I feel younger
when I am with when I help seniors
my RC friends in the community
and programmes organised by the back to the doctor to change it.
Sunflower RC (Residents Committee).
My BP is now under control and the HAVING devoted five decades to reserved, but once you earn his
There is always something happening
new medicine does not make me healthcare as a mental health nurse, trust, he opens up. We reminisce
at the RC like folk dancing or walk-
feel giddy. When Nurse Tan comes I was ready to retire to focus on my about the old days he talks about
and-jog events. I especially like the
each week, she always checks on me health and life. While chatting with the time he used to sell rojak,
health talks and the exercise classes
and my husband, and gives me advice my neighbour who is a member of Hokkien mee, Teochew muay
like aerobics I cannot walk very
about my cholesterol and diet. That the Residents Committee (RC), (Teochew porridge) and char kway
well, so I sit down and do the moves
makes me happy. There are many old I found out about the befrienders teow at hawker centres. His memory
or I join the balloon art class or
people in my area, so its good to have programme in my neighbourhood is actually still very good. He still
sometimes they have a first aid class.
the nurse come once a week. and immediately decided to help in remembers the name of his Teochew
whatever way I could. muay stall... Peng You (Friends).
When there is a big event, many
residents will come to volunteer Apart from the nurses visit, there
I checked with the RC which Having spent time with Mr Teo,
their time. My RC even started a are also the volunteers from the
Nurse@RC programme so the old coordinated the programme and I now understand how important it is
Eastern Health Alliance who make
folks in the area can go for a they put me in touch with the to engage seniors in our community.
friends with all the seniors and they
check-up at the RC Centre at Eastern Health Alliance which linked After all, I am one too. At 70, I know
also make sure we are okay. And
Blk 33 Bedok South Avenue 2. me up with 83-year-old Mr Teo Eng I may not be as agile as I used to be
because I have friends there, I keep
Swee in April 2015. He had been in my younger days, but I can still
up with my exercise. I feel happy and
Having the nurse come to the RC admitted to hospital thrice in the contribute to our society. And, you
once a week is very good. Once, young. Before I couldnt walk and
last couple of years, the latest being know what, I dont feel so old when
I stopped taking my blood pressure needed my husband to push me in the I am useful and appreciated.
wheelchair. Now I can walk, slowly, to in March 2013 following a fall, and
(BP) medicine because it made me
feel giddy. The nurse, Miss Tan the RC on my own. It makes me happy needed volunteers to check in on
I hope more people my age or
(Tan Kai Xin from Caring Hearts that I dont need to rely on anyone him. When I visit him every fortnight 10 years younger than me will
Nursing), insisted I see the doctor to get me there. I can do it myself. in his two-room rental flat, we spend come forward to volunteer;
to change my medicine. She said my most of the time chatting. Hes quite it will do us good to help others.
56 57
2 PROMOTE
INTER-GENERATIONAL HARMONY
3 ENCOURAGE LOVE AND
RESPECT FOR SENIORS
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) Families buying a resale HDB flat with In 2015, the Ministerial Committee on Ageing A PAssion Silver Card will be
has introduced a number of policies to or near their parents or married child partnered some 100 organisations to offer a issued to every Singaporean
encourage Singaporeans to live close to receive a PHG of $20,000. Singles buying suite of discounts and privileges for seniors aged 60 and above or as they
and support their elderly parents: the a resale flat to live with their parents also in conjunction with our Golden Jubilee. The turn 60 years old. This will serve
Multi-Generation Priority Scheme get a $10,000 grant. SG50 Seniors package included over 200 as a clear age identifier for the people,
encourages families to live close to each dining, leisure, lifelong learning, lifestyle and public and private sectors to offer
other in the same Build-To-Order projects HDB, the Ministry of Health (MOH) wellness privileges which were made possible privileges to our seniors in honour
where 2-room Flexi or 3-room flats are and the Early Childhood Development with the support of public and private sector of them. The Peoples Association
integrated with other flat types; the Married Agency (ECDA) will plan for eldercare entities including Tote Board and the Singapore will work with its community,
Child Priority Scheme encourages married and childcare facilities to be co-located Business Federation (SBF).
corporate and merchant partners,
children and parents to reside together, in some 10 new HDB housing
developments. By co-locating the while SBF will encourage businesses
or within the same estate or neighbouring
facilities and experimenting with shared We want to rally more organisations to come and trade associations and chambers
estates to foster mutual care and strengthen
spaces, we can create more opportunities together and create a more inclusive and to support this initiative. The PAssion
familial ties; and the Senior Priority Scheme
for inter-generational bonding. MOH will caring environment for our seniors. Silver Card will be launched in mid-2016.
gives priority to eligible seniors to buy 2-room
Flexi flats in the same estate or near where also encourage existing operators of
they or their married children are living in. eldercare facilities to introduce innovative
programmes that allow the young and old
to interact.
More effort will be made to foster a
cohesive society and strengthen Students will learn more about issues
inter-generational harmony: related to ageing as part of the school
curriculum. The Ministry of Education
A new Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) will incorporate issues related to ageing
has been introduced to encourage into our national school curriculum to
Singaporean families to live closer instil in our young the importance of
together for mutual care and support. care and respect for seniors.
58 59
FUTURE-READY LEGISLATION
4 TO PREPARE FOR SINGAPORES
AGEING POPULATION
Today, there are two main Acts to protect vulnerable elderly.
The Maintenance of Parents Act allows seniors who are unable
to maintain themselves financially to obtain maintenance from their
children. The Mental Capacity Act enables individuals to make a
Lasting Power of Attorney to appoint someone they trust to make
decisions on their behalf in case they lose mental capacity.
60 6161
CHAPTER 5
CITY FOR
ALL AGES
Live well and age confidently in place.
We want to transform Singapore into an
age-friendly city where Singaporeans can
age-in-place gracefully and confidently.
62 63
1 THE
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Seniors with more than one disease
condition may need to make multiple
MOH will transform healthcare
service delivery in the following ways:
visits to different clinics. We need to
The demographic challenge to the healthcare MOH is building new polyclinics in reduce the number of doctors they need Enhance geriatric capability
system is two-fold. First, demand for healthcare Jurong West, Punggol and Bukit Panjang to consult and focus on treating the in acute hospitals
services will increase with an ageing population. as well as a primary care facility in person as a whole and not the diseases
Second, the supply of healthcare services will MOH will set up more inter-disciplinary
Sembawang. It is also redeveloping the in isolation.
be constrained by low labour force growth. Geriatric Care Teams (comprising doctors,
existing Ang Mo Kio and Yishun polyclinics,
all by 2020, to increase capacity in the allied health professionals and nurses)
The government has put in place a Healthcare From hospital care to community care to provide holistic care for frail seniors.
primary care sector.
2020 Masterplan to expand our healthcare We need to build good models of care
infrastructure to address growing healthcare MOH will train more Geriatric Resource
Healthcare has become more affordable in the community, so seniors can be well Nurses to advise care teams in adult
needs. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is on with the introduction of CHAS; expansion supported where they stay, no matter wards on how to better care for very
track to meet its Healthcare 2020 commitments,
of Medisave use; enhancements to the their health condition. old patients.
with the completion of the Changi General
subsidies for outpatient treatment and
Hospital-St Andrews Community Hospital
aged care; and the implementation of More healthcare professionals will
Integrated Building (2014) and the Ng Teng From caring for to caring
MediShield Life. be trained to care for seniors needs.
Fong General Hospital, Jurong Community with our patients
Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital
Going forward, MOH will shift the way it We need to help Singaporeans prepare Pilot community-based geriatric services
(2015). Going forward, MOH will open
organises care in a few ways so that the for a long and healthy life. This includes to bring care closer to older Singaporeans
Sengkang General and Community Hospitals
healthcare delivery system will be better understanding the motivation of seniors in the community. A multi-disciplinary team
(2018), and a new Community Hospital in
and more appropriate for older patients: and their caregivers and empowering of healthcare professionals will provide
Outram (by 2020). Altogether MOH will
increase the number of acute and community them with the knowledge and skills to geriatric assessments, develop care plans
hospital beds, from 8,700 beds in 2014 to From disease-specific, fragmented take charge and manage their own and deliver team-based coordinated care for
over 12,000 beds in 2020. care to person-centric care health well. seniors to keep them well in the community.
64 65
MOH will work with providers to develop
From 13 the primary care team case manager
more holistic packages of home and
community care to meet the needs of
specialists were able to keep her out of the hospital
several times when she had fluid in her
seniors. For example, seniors can be
cared for partially at home and partially
to one GP lungs due to her weak heart. There were
other times when she developed a chest
at day centres during the week and be
provided with a more comprehensive
infection and consulted me first. I was able suite of care services.
to treat her before the infection worsened,
said Dr Koh. MOH will introduce new aged care
sector initiatives to support the
A seamless exchange of patients medical sectors efforts in quality improvement,
information between the GP and the manpower and organisation development,
specialists is crucial. He said: If GPs and productivity.
dont have full view of a patients medical
history, they are more likely to send them Develop Geriatric Dental Expertise and
Services to improve the oral health of Ramp up manpower development to
to the Accident and Emergency (A&E)
our senior population. ensure there will be enough staff
department for further management when
to support the expansion in aged care.
they deteriorate.
With new dental facilities such as the
The high quality, personalised care that Geriatric Special Care Dentistry Clinic MOH will step up the recruitment of
88-YEAR-OLD Madam Ang Hwea Kee doctors like Dr Koh provide, helps them at the National Dental Centre Singapore Singaporeans into the aged care
had a doctor for most of her chronic build a strong rapport with patients and and the National University Centre sector through job fairs, training and
conditions; acardiologist, caregivers. It is not only about treating for Oral Health, we will train healthcare retention incentives.
rheumatologist,ophthalmologist the patients medical conditions but also professionals to better serve seniors
andrespiratory physician. In one year, understanding their social background and undertake more research in MOH will work with aged care providers
she had 13 specialist appointments and needs, explained Dr Koh. For disease trends in geriatric dentistry. to re-design more jobs so as to offer
and took about 16 different types of example, knowing Madam Angs daughter Singaporeans more flexible work
medicines. She and her family had had Tuesdays off from work helped the Further expand the capacity of arrangements in the aged care sector.
trouble keeping track ofthe appointments care team organise Madam Angs medical intermediate and long-term care We will also help aged care providers
and the progress of each condition. As appointments accordingly. services between 2015 and 2020. to increase manpower productivity
a result, she was admitted twice to the through automation, adoption of
hospital, staying a total of 13 days. This integrated team-based care model technology and improvement of
More than double the number of
is still being refined to help patients Community Hospital beds. business processes.
Her cardiologist then referred her to with multiple medical conditions.
the Frontier Family Medicine Clinic Increase nursing home capacity
by more than 70%. Expand community support for seniors
(Frontier FMC) in Clementi to manage Dr Koh said: The overall improvement
with dementia. MOH will reach out to
her heart condition. The FMC was in patients and caregivers satisfaction Increase home and community residents, businesses and community
set up in 2013 as part of an initiative by having a regular family physician, care capacity by 50% and organisations in different localities to form
by the Frontier Healthcare Group and a primary care team to manage all 100% respectively.
dementia-friendly communities, where
National University Health System their medical needs, with the hospital
residents and staff of businesses can be
to better manage patients with stable specialists support, is undeniable.
Implement a new Masterplan on trained to recognise and assist seniors
and complex chronic conditions. This warrants a further look at how
Home and Community Care to better with dementia who are in distress. This
Eventually, most of Madam Angs we should continually innovate the
support seniors to age-in-place. will give peace of mind to seniors and
medical conditions came under the way we deliver care.
their caregivers. Seniors with dementia
family physicians care with close A new care assessment framework can remain active and move around in the
Madam Angs daughter, Ms Pauline Lim,
support from the hospitals specialists. will be piloted to better evaluate community with less worry, because there
is happy that her mum is under the FMCs
care. She said: Dr Koh is very warm and seniors needs so as to match them will be helpful friends of dementia in their
As part of the partnership, the family
patient towards my mum. He or his team to appropriate services. neighbourhoods to look out for them.
physicans have access to the patients
medical records at the National University contact me when her condition isnt good.
Hospital. With access to Madam Angs I am glad I let my mum come under their
medical records, Dr Koh Thuan Wee and care in 2013.
66 67
A home-like
environment
68 69
Going forward, new initiatives are being
planned to make our public housing
heartlands more senior-friendly:
2 SENIOR-FRIENDLY
HOUSING
in Woodlands and Tampines North
(artist impression of the new nursing home
at Tampines North, below).
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has HDB blocks built before 1990 did not have
been making continuous efforts in a number lift access at every floor. The heavily subsidised
of areas, to help our seniors age well. In 2013, Lift Upgrading Programme changed that.
HDB introduced the Three-Generation, or Since 2001, about 5,000 blocks have been
3Gen, flats to encourage members of fitted with new lifts and/or have had their
multi-generation families to live together for existing lifts upgraded. The Enhancement
mutual care and support. Recently, in 2015, for Active Seniors (EASE) programme was
HDB replaced and merged Studio Apartments introduced in 2012 to provide highly subsidised
and 2-room flats under the 2-room Flexi Scheme, retrofit features such as grab bars, slip-resistant
HDB will build smarter homes for
which allows seniors to purchase 2-room Flexi treatment to existing bathroom tiles and seniors. HDB is working with industry
flats with flexibility in the choice of lease length gentle ramps to make seniors HDB flats safer. partners to explore suitable elderly
and fittings. Since its launch, HDB has received more MOH has planned another 40 day centres monitoring and alert systems to
than 26,900 5 applications for EASE (Direct for seniors by 2020 to provide integrated monitor the safety and well-being of
HDB has also introduced a number of hardware Application) and about 43,000 6 households health and social care services to seniors. elderly HDB residents. These smart
have opted for EASE together with the Home About a quarter of these centres will be alert systems will be available for
enhancements over the years. Since 1985,
large Active Ageing Hubs (AAH) in HDB residents subscription when the
HDB made barrier-free design provisions at Improvement Programme which addresses
developments that will provide both active details are finalised.
all levels of the neighbourhood, precinct and common maintenance issues that older flats
ageing programmes for active and ambulant
apartment blocks in its public housing towns. face, such as spalling concrete. seniors, as well as day care, day rehabilitation
and assisted living services (such as MOH and the Ministry of
housekeeping and grocery-shopping) for National Development will promote
seniors who are frailer. These hubs can senior-friendly towns. Mature
also be the venues for social and learning towns can be made safer and more
activities for all ages (artist impression of senior-friendly in a number of ways,
the interior of an AAH, below). such as via the smoothening of
pathways, installation of more rest
stops, replacement of metal drain
covers with less slippery concrete
ones and heightening of colour
contrasts for uneven surfaces.
5
As at 31 Oct 2015.
6
As at 31 Oct 2015.
70 71
Making Marine Parade
more senior-friendly
MARINE Parade was one of the earliest towns to be upgraded under the
City For All Ages (CFAA) project. The vision of CFAA was to make each
town more senior-friendly not just in terms of the infrastructure, but also
in terms of better social programming to support seniors to age healthily,
independently and confidently. Four years on, we take a look at the changes
through the eyes of veteran grassroots leader Mr William Fletcher (below)
who has lived in Marine Parade for the past three decades.
At some junctions, the Green Man Plus Concrete slabs have also been placed over
facility has been installed to give seniors drains, making it safer for elderly pedestrians.
more time to cross the road. Seniors just
have to tap their senior concession EZ-link
card on the device to get 6 extra seconds.
Mr Fletcher points out prominent block numbers. More benches with arm rests have been
installed so seniors can sit down and
stand up easily.
72 73
3 SENIOR-FRIENDLY
TRANSPORT
(Above) Silver Zone Gateway at with 40km/h speed limit
and yellow rumble strips to alert motorists to slow down.
(Above) LOOK markings painted
at road side ramps to remind
pedestrians to look out for traffic.
The Public Transport Council and the Walking A special pedestrian refuge is also
Land Transport Authority (LTA) have been installed in the middle of the road
LTA will: for pedestrians to cross the road
introducing measures to make it more
affordable and convenient for seniors to safely in two stages. Tactile tiles
Silver Zones: Implement 35 Silver Zones7 enable visually-disabled persons
move around via public transport.
by 2020 to improve road safety in areas to better navigate the roads safely.
with more seniors.
Senior Citizen Concession Cardholders
enjoy concessionary fares with significant Green Man Plus: Double the number of
discounts off adult fares of up to 60%. such traffic lights from the current 500
Seniors can also purchase a Senior Citizen to 1,000 by end-2018, to extend crossing
Monthly Concession Pass that allows them
Buses
times at traffic junctions for seniors
unlimited travel on basic bus services and and persons with disabilities. LTA will:
trains for one month. Since July 2015,
seniors can also choose to purchase an Wheelchair-friendly buses: Replace all Priority queue at bus interchanges:
Railings: Install them at selected sheltered
Off-Peak Pass for unlimited basic bus and buses with wheelchair-accessible ones Implement priority queues at all new bus
link-ways between MRT stations and health
train rides if they travel more during the by 2020. interchanges and integrated transport
institutions or residential homes for seniors,
off-peak hours. These schemes are hubs. Seniors and persons with disabilities
to provide seniors with greater support
customised to lower the cost of travelling Foldable seats on buses: Introduce will be able to sit at dedicated areas while
and improve safety.
on public transport for seniors. foldable seats in new buses to increase waiting for buses.
flexible seating capacity.
Overhead bridges: Install lifts at another
Bus stops: Increase the size of the words
LTA will be implementing a comprehensive 41 pedestrian overhead bridges by 2018,
Bus sensors: Install sensors on new on bus information posters at bus stops
plan to make our transport system in addition to the existing six. LTA will
buses to record driving patterns to island-wide where feasible, to make them
senior-friendly. LTA conducted consultation continue to retrofit lifts at more overhead
ensure a safer journey for the seniors. easier to read. LTA will also replace existing
sessions with seniors to hear about the bridges near hospitals and polyclinics.
bum-rests at bus and taxi shelters with
challenges that they face in using the This will make it easier for seniors to
Direct buses: Introduce more bus proper seats that come with armrests,
public transport system, and also to gather cross roads where pedestrian crossings
services to enhance connectivity which will aid seniors in standing up from
feedback on prototypes of senior-friendly are not feasible.
within mature estates as well as a sitting position.
features. These suggestions and feedback
were important in helping the LTA formulate Rest stops: Build seats at 50-metre between mature estates and hospitals,
a suite of measures to ensure that seniors intervals along selected sheltered walkways, as many seniors have shared that No advertisements on bus fronts:
can get around Singapore in a convenient, so that seniors can rest while walking to buses are their preferred form of Require windows on the front third of the
safe and comfortable way. their destinations. public transport. buses to be kept clear of advertisements,
so that commuters can more easily
7
Silver Zones consist of road safety features that slow down motorists and remind them to look out for pedestrians. There are also features to remind pedestrians identify their location and destination.
to be vigilant when crossing the road. These features include lower speed limits, enlarged centre dividers with speed humps, and LOOK markings painted in
bright yellow for increased visibility.
74 75
4 SENIOR-FRIENDLY
PARKS
The National Parks Board (NParks) will also
upgrade our parks and park connectors to be
more senior-friendly.
76 77
Seniors,
5 SENIOR-FRIENDLY
DESIGN GUIDELINES
sensors and
between the Singapore Management
University and Tata Consultancy Services,
focuses on research and development of
sense-abilities intelligent and inclusive city solutions.
The Building and Construction Authority will introduce a Universal Design Guide One part of the trial, which started in
for Age-Friendly Public Places to raise awareness on how age-friendly July 2015, involves monitoring the
design can be incorporated into urban infrastructure and planning. amount of medicine the seniors take,
using a sensor in a medication box.
About 10 seniors under GoodLife!s care,
including Madam Choy, were each given
a medication box with sensors attached
to it.
6 RESEARCH
IN AGEING
Associate Professor Tan Hwee Pink
explained how the sensor works:
It keeps track of how many times the
box is opened and closed by Madam Choy
who takes five pills, two for her chronic
conditions and three health supplements.
LIVING alone worries Madam Choy Sip
The raw data is sent wirelessly to SMUs
Fan. The 77-year-old has multiple health
server where the research team plots
conditions and, when she falls ill, there is
the information into graphs for care
no one to look after her.
coordinators to better understand
Who will know if I dont open the door? Madam Choys medication patterns.
she asked.
While we cant tell whether she has
This is why she is grateful to GoodLife!, actually taken the right pill, we can tell
a Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) with a certain level of confidence that
that organises programmes and services she is consuming her medication at the
for senior citizens. It has been working appointed time. This is validated by the
with Madam Choy for seven years. Its diary we asked her to keep of her daily
good that they care for me and check activities including her pill-taking routine,
on me, she said. added Associate Professor Tan, who is the
Singapore will invest in ageing-related The Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Academic Director of the SMU-TCS
GoodLife!s Centre Director Desmurn Lim
research in different disciplines, to transform will establish a Centre for Ageing, iCity Lab and leads the SMU team.
said his organisation looks at how to help
the experience of ageing tomorrow. Research and Education (CARE) to seniors like Madam Choy who have many The trial detected that four seniors needed
further research some social aspects health issues and live alone. help with their medicine. One of them
of ageing and will complement the largely
A new national Geriatric Education was confused about the different dosages
clinical nature of work done at GERI. CARE Our main concern is how we support
and Research Institute (GERI) will be of his various medicine and ended up
will also seek to foster multi-disciplinary seniors like her while allowing them
housed at the Yishun Community opening and closing the medication box
research on ageing that will be translated to live independently, he added.
Hospital to promote geriatric education many times. When they saw this pattern,
into solutions for local seniors.
and research in Singapore. It will guide, In 2014, the VWO agreed to take part GoodLife! took him to his doctor and he
conduct and coordinate Singapores in a three-year pilot by the SMU-TCS now is clearer about what medication to
The National Research Foundation will iCity Lab to see how technology can help take at what time.
research initiatives related to geriatric set aside up to $200 million for a National
services and age-related healthcare seniors age and live independently while
Innovation Challenge on Active and Said Mr Lim: What the sensor and
issues. It will also take the lead in helping community care volunteers and
Confident Ageing to catalyse research resulting data give us is the opportunity
strengthening training content and medical professionals better monitor and
related to ageing. The National Innovation to have a conversation with seniors on why
curriculum so as to adequately equip support them.
Challenge on Ageing will cover the following they are doing things in a certain way. From
healthcare workers with skills to better three areas: lengthening health span; The SMU-TCS iCity Lab, a joint venture there, we can see how best to help them.
care for elderly patients. The institute productive longevity; and enabling seniors
is expected to be operational by 2016. to age-in-place.
78 79
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all
our partners who have journeyed with us
over the past year to draft this Action Plan.
Their time, effort, energy and feedback
have been invaluable in helping us chart
a better future for our seniors.
80 81
PARTNERS AGENCIES/MINISTRIES PHOTOS
Alexandra Health System Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)
Centre for Seniors Building and Alexandra Health System
Chinese Development Construction Authority Bedok Sunflower
Assistance Council (CDAC) Central Provident Fund Board Residents Committee
Council for Third Age (C3A) Early Childhood ComfortDelGro Taxi Business
Eastern Health Alliance Development Agency Council for Third Age (C3A)
Islamic Religious Council Health Promotion Board Eastern Health Alliance
of Singapore (MUIS) Housing & Development Board Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
MOH Holdings Pte Ltd Land Transport Authority Frontier Family Medicine Clinic
Montfort Care Ministry of Culture, GoodLife!
National Trades Community and Youth
Health Promotion Board
Union Congress (NTUC) Ministry of Education
Housing & Development Board
National University Ministry of Finance
of Singapore Senior Alumni Jamiyah Nursing Home
Ministry of Manpower
National Volunteer Jamiyah Singapore
Ministry of National Development
and Philanthropy Centre Kopitiam Investment Pte Ltd
Ministry of Social and
NTUC Health Land Transport Authority
Family Development
Co-operative Limited
Ministry of Transport Lions Befrienders
REACH Singapore Service Association
National Parks Board
RSVP Singapore: The Organisation Marine Parade Town Council
of Senior Volunteers National Research Foundation
Methodist Girls School
Singapore Business Federation Peoples Association
Ministry of Transport
Singapore Hospice Council Singapore Workforce
MOH Holdings Pte Ltd
Development Agency
Singapore Indian
National Parks Board
Development Association (SINDA)
NTUC Health SilverACE
Society for WINGS
NTUC Health Silver Circle
St Lukes Eldercare Centre
NTUC Health SilverCOVE
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities
NTUCs My First Skool
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
RSVP Singapore: The Organisation
YAH!
of Senior Volunteers
Yayasan Mendaki
Singapore Amalgamated
Services Co-operative
Organisation (SASCO)
Integrated Eldercare Centre
Sheng Siong Group Ltd
Singapore Indian Development
Association (SINDA)
Singapore Management University
SMRT Corporation Ltd
SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd
The Straits Times Singapore
Press Holdings Limited
Thye Hua Kwan Seniors Services
@ Taman Jurong
Toast Box
(A member of BreadTalk Group Ltd)
Tower Transit Singapore
Tsao Foundation
SIM University (UniSIM)
YAH!
Brought to you by:
The Ministerial Committee on Ageing