October 7, 2024

As we commemorate the International Day of Older Persons celebrated every October 1st, it is crucial to recognise the various challenges that the elderly face. This year’s theme, ‘Ageing with Dignity’ is a timely reminder of the critical need to effectively and efficiently address the evolving needs and aspirations of current and future seniors. Last year, the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Ministerial Committee on Ageing (MCA) enacted the 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing. The plan focuses on community initiatives aimed at empowering Singaporeans to take charge of their own ageing journeys, anchored on three key pillars: ‘Care,’ ‘Contribution,’ and ‘Connectedness’. 

Singapore’s rapidly ageing population presents significant challenges to its healthcare system, which is already grappling with the rising demand for services tailored to elderly citizens. With life expectancy increasing and chronic illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia becoming more prevalent, the strain on hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health services is growing. This demographic shift raises important questions about whether Singapore’s current healthcare infrastructure and policies are sufficient to support the complex needs of its seniors.  

While early detection and intervention for conditions such as dementia are essential, it is equally important to cultivate robust community support systems that encourage healthy ageing. Experts are increasingly focusing on how communities can be empowered to work alongside scientific advancements to prevent disease, maintain quality of life, and ease the burden on formal healthcare systems. How can we better understand and address the challenges faced by the elderly, and work towards improving policies related to ageing and health? These are the pressing questions that policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers face as they work towards building a sustainable healthcare system for an ageing society.  

Addressing this multifaceted issue requires an interdisciplinary and holistic approach that integrates scientific research, healthcare policy, and community efforts.  

The upcoming Ageing, Health, and Policy event is organized by the Singapore Research Nexus (SRN)  and features academics from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine who will present their research on these critical challenges and discuss policy solutions aimed at ensuring a sustainable healthcare future for all. 

This hybrid event will be held on Friday, 8 November 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the NUS FASS Research Division Seminar Room and on Zoom. More details, including programme booklet and registration links, are available here.