by Growing Needs | Nov 4, 2024 | Community, Resources
On October 5th, CNA released an article on How Singapore is preparing for a super aged society come 2026. We will recap some of the key points seniors should be aware of and provide useful resources.
In January last year, the Ministry of Health (MOH) rolled out a refreshed Action Plan for Successful Ageing, an update of a blueprint launched in 2015.
The 2023 plan has three key aims:
The plan also outlines important initiatives and targets established by the authorities as they hasten the development of elderly-friendly infrastructure. However, experts emphasise that further efforts are necessary for Singapore to address the diverse needs and preferences of future generations of older adults.
An ageing society requires stronger social support systems and safety nets for older adults in addition to developing elderly-friendly infrastructure. Over the years, Singapore has taken steps in this direction. For instance, in November, the authorities launched Age Well SG. This national programme offers various services, including transport options, befriending initiatives, and support for caregivers vital in assisting the elderly.
Experts highlight that as Singapore’s population continues to age, expanding support not only for older individuals but also for their caregivers will be essential. To upskill and support caregivers, read our article here on the available workshops that caregivers can sign up for. With shrinking family sizes, Singapore will become increasingly unsustainable in its dependence solely on professional caregivers within the healthcare and eldercare sectors or informal caregivers like family members. Broadening the caregiving pool is needed to address this challenge. One practical solution is to engage other seniors in peer-to-peer support and caregiving. There is a sense of community in nursing homes that seniors can cultivate and grow amongst themselves. This not only boosts their physical health but also lifts their mood which improves their overall mental state. Read our article on community living here to learn more.
The final key to fostering a more elderly-friendly society is transforming societal attitudes towards older individuals and the ageing process, which experts note are currently far from ideal. This includes addressing ageist attitudes and discrimination towards the elderly – whether internalised in how they perceive themselves and ageing or in how the general population views older persons in their midst. Indeed, several elderly interviewed spoke of a fear of being a “burden” to those around them. In our efforts to break the stereotypes and assumptions of ageing, we have written an article on Debunking The Myths of Ageing. We often hear about it among society that ageing isn’t always graceful. But that doesn’t mean the myths and stereotypes about older people are true. Ageing stereotypes are often completely misinformed. Ageing may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you should be convinced by misinformation that hampers how you enjoy these golden years.
As Singapore prepares for a super-aged society by 2026, seniors and their families must know the initiatives and resources available to enhance their quality of life. While significant measures have been made to improve infrastructure and social support systems, ongoing efforts are necessary to address the diverse needs of Singapore’s future generations of older adults.
Growing Needs grew out of our own encounters with caring for our aging parents and reflecting on the Growing Needs that we ourselves would face as we advance in years. We hope to build a community that will learn, share and contribute towards caring for the growing needs of our loved ones.
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