Seniors in Singapore will have a better opportunity of ageing actively and staying connected while being cared for within their community with the help of a new government scheme.
The ‘Age Well Neighbourhood’ scheme will provide seniors with easier access to healthcare and social activities.
It will serve as an expansion of the Community Care Apartment (CCA) project, which involves public housing fitted with senior-friendly features such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with grab bars and slip-resistant floors.
Furthermore, the scheme is also an extension of the national Age Well SG initiative launched in November 2023 by the ministries of health, national development and transport to support seniors to age actively in their homes and their communities.
Making the announcement at his National Day Rally speech on August 17, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the new scheme will be piloted in Toa Payoh, one of the country’s oldest towns.
It will also be launched in one or two other areas where there is a larger population of seniors.
The scheme was introduced as the government acknowledged that CCA flats are limited and cannot be the only solution for seniors ageing in place, according to Wong.
“Furthermore, many seniors do not want to move out. They have lived in their homes for many years.”
“They are used to their neighbours and familiar with their current environment,” said the prime minister.
“So they prefer to age where they are, and we will need to provide for them as they get older.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fijians told to observe healthy lifestyle to combat widespread anaemia
What to expect in the new scheme?
Under the new programme, the government will establish more active ageing centres with additional facilities, such as gym rooms, and activities like kickboxing, drumming and carpentry workshops to attract more male seniors.
There are currently 13 such centres in Toa Payoh, but Wong noted that new sites will be identified to bring them closer to more seniors.
Age Well Neighbourhoods will also expand the home-based services offered in CCAs, with seniors in the neighbourhood having the choice of which services they need.
These may include simple home fixes, basic health checks, housekeeping, laundry, meal deliveries, and help with daily activities, such as showering and feeding.
There will be care staff responsible for coordinating services and regularly visiting seniors, while also serving as first responders in case of emergency.
Lastly, healthcare services will be brought closer to seniors in Age Well Neighbourhoods through additional care facilities.
Seniors who require rehabilitation, physiotherapy or basic care and health consultations may visit these facilities without having to travel far.
Public hospitals will also set up health posts in the community, which will be manned by nurses who can assist with post-discharge follow-ups and medication management.
READ MORE: UK government recruits medical TikTokers amidst cosmetics crackdown
Caring for an ageing society
The new scheme is among the many efforts of the Singapore government to take care of its rapidly ageing society.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, over 20% of Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above in 2025, significantly higher compared to about 13% in 2015.
Singapore is expected to become a “super-aged” society by 2026, meaning 21% or more of its population will be aged 65 and above.
While Age Well Neighbourhoods may be called retirement villages in other countries, Wong stressed that the government does not want seniors to live in separate, isolated places.
“We will build a Singapore where every senior – no matter where they live – can age with dignity, purpose and joy; a Singapore where we support one another – as neighbours and friends in our community,” said Wong.
“That is how we will grow old – not in isolation, never alone, but always together as one Singapore family.”
READ NEXT: Pacific governments urged to improve laws for domestic violence victims
Angelica N. Hall 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Carmela Calling