ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESSFUL AGEING - Sustainable Development
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESSFUL AGEING
© 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
Towards A Nation For All Ages 80
Acknowledgements 81
2 3
Let’s
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.
This Action Plan is our blueprint to enable
Singaporeans to grow older with confidence.
Between June 2014 and May 2015, we engaged
Singaporeans in conversations about ageing and
what it means to age successfully. This Action Plan
contains their ideas, suggestions and plans.
We hope that Singapore will remain a good place
to grow old in, where there are opportunities
for Singaporeans of all ages. We want to build
a cohesive “kampong” for all ages, where there
is inter-generational harmony and understanding.
Our city will be a city for all ages, designed
sensitively and lovingly for seniors to age gracefully
among family, friends and neighbours, leveraging
on the potential of modern technology.
I would like to thank everyone who has participated
and contributed ideas, and the people and private
sector organisations for working with us on the
initiatives in this Action Plan.
Together, we can re-define ageing and build
a Nation for All Ages which we are proud to
call home.
Gan Kim Yong
Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Ageing Issues
Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Ageing
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
SINGAPOREANS age to support our elderly.
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
1 in 8 Singapore Residents are also
1 in 4 LIVING LONGER AND STAYING
HEALTHY FOR LONGER.
Ageing need not cause worry and gloom.
If we plan ahead, ageing can be a positive
experience for all. 2.1
MORE
LIFE
79.6
YEAR 2004 YEARS
AVERAGE LIFE YEARS
E XPECTANCY
1970 2015 2030 YEAR 2010
81.7
YEARS
YEAR
Seniors aged Singaporeans
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.
Almost 50 focus group discussions
“Listening points” at public
spaces like libraries, shopping
malls and universities
Online consultations
10 1 EMPLOYABILITY 6 AGED CARE SERVICES
Ageless workplaces, Ageing-in-place,
lifelong employability remaining independent
Participants included Singaporeans TOPICS
from various walks of life – students,
taxi drivers, academics, rental block
THAT
WERE
2 LIFELONG LEARNING
Never too old to go 7 HOUSING
Supporting
residents, senior volunteers, grassroots
back to school changing needs
leaders, senior learners and human DISCUSSED
resource practitioners.
3 SENIOR VOLUNTEERISM
Helping others, 8 TRANSPORT
Re-defining the
fufilling lives travel experience
We also consulted union members, 4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Healthy seniors, 9 PUBLIC SPACES
Making our urban
and reached out to different communities happy seniors infrastructure more
– the Islamic Religious Council of senior-friendly
Singapore (MUIS) and self-help groups
such as the Chinese Development
Assistance Council (CDAC), Mendaki 5 SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
AND INCLUSION 10 RESEARCH
ON AGEING
and the Singapore Indian Development Connecting people Understanding needs,
Association (SINDA). of all ages encouraging innovation
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.
16 177 HOUSING
Supporting changing needs
8 TRANSPORT
Re-defining the travel experience
“ I think the elderly
like my parents’
“ We should
encourage more
generation would bus drivers to
like to stay in their display considerate
current homes. behaviour, such
At that age, it’s a as waiting until
bit stressful for them an elderly person
to move, to have is seated before
to restart over.
” driving off.
”
Many seniors prefer to be independent Seniors want to lead independent and Audio announcement system in
and do not want to live with their children active lives, and hope to see a more buses to help seniors keep track
as they fear they may be a burden. senior-friendly transport system that of the route and stops made by the bus.
enables them to make their own way
Automatic mechanism to help
around Singapore more easily, safely
Seniors hope to see more health and social seniors in wheelchairs to board
and comfortably.
services better integrated into housing and disembark from buses.
options in the future. They also hope that
their homes will be retrofitted with features Some transport improvements Walking and cycling
to make them safer and more senior-friendly, suggested by seniors include:
e.g. light switches placed low enough Separate paths for walking and
for seniors in wheelchairs to reach, cycling to ensure safer commuting.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system
a clothes-drying system that is easier to
Lifts or escalators at pedestrian
manage, an emergency alert system and Improve signage in MRT stations to
overhead bridges.
safer stoves which do not pose fire hazards. aid wayfinding and reinforce seniors’
confidence in taking public transport.
Social behaviours on public transport
Allow seniors more time to board trains.
A sustained public education campaign
Reduce the speed of escalators as to encourage users to move to the back
well as the opening and closing of of buses or to the middle of train cabins
fare gates during off-peak hours. and to give up seats for seniors.
Remind bus drivers not to accelerate
Bus system
or brake too suddenly which may
Larger bus service numbers for cause seniors to lose their balance
improved visibility. and fall.
18 19Re-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.
On 20 August 2015, 24 seniors
were invited to take part in a
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.
Madam Tan Joo Geok, a 56-year-old
participant said: “I am glad I had the
chance to share my thoughts with the
LTA officer who accompanied me.
It is good that the government is
making the effort to hear our views.”
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 LTA’s 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.
20 219 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 person’s 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 community’s
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 23CHAPTER 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 25THE 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.
There are more than 70 initiatives in 12 areas
– health and wellness, learning, volunteerism,
employment, housing, transport, public spaces,
respect and social inclusion, retirement adequacy,
healthcare and aged care, protection for vulnerable
seniors and research – to prepare Singapore for
rapid population ageing in the next decade.
1 A SUCCESSFULLY
AGEING SINGAPORE
This is what a successfully ageing Singapore will be like:
OPPORTUNITIES KAMPONG CITY
FOR ALL AGES FOR ALL AGES FOR ALL AGES
Singapore will be a Singapore will be a Singapore will be
place where everyone, caring and inclusive distinctive globally
including seniors, society that respects not just for its
can continually learn, and embraces seniors economic success,
grow and achieve their as an integral part of our but also as a model
fullest potential. cohesive community. for successful ageing.
26 272 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.
Aged Care Transport
Health and Wellness
Between 2015 and 2020, The Land Transport Authority will:
A National Seniors’ Health Programme Senior Volunteerism
the Ministry of Health (MOH) will:
that will reach over 400,000 older adults. We aim to recruit an additional Implement 35 Silver Zones by 2020.
50,000 senior volunteers. More than double the number
A new workplace health programme Double the number of Green Man Plus
of Community Hospital beds.
that will target 120,000 mature workers traffic lights from the current 500 to
aged 40 and above. Increase nursing home capacity 1,000 by end-2018.
Community Befriending by more than 70%. Install lifts at an additional 41 pedestrian
overhead bridges by 2018.
Expand home visitation programmes Increase home and community care
Senior Learning in at least 50 neighbourhoods to places by 50% and 100% respectively. Replace all buses with
keep social isolation and poor health wheelchair-accessible ones by 2020.
A National Silver Academy that at bay among vulnerable seniors.
will eventually provide some 30,000
learning places for seniors to pursue Active Ageing and Assisted Living
their interests. Research
Inter-generational Harmony MOH has planned another 40 day
We aim to have 100 schools centres for seniors by 2020. About The National Research Foundation
and Voluntary Welfare Organisations/ Co-locate eldercare and childcare a quarter of these centres will be will set aside up to $200 million
community organisations to come facilities in some 10 new large Active Ageing Hubs in housing for a National Innovation Challenge
on board the Intergenerational Housing & Development Board developments, providing active ageing on Active and Confident Ageing
Learning Programme. housing developments. and assisted living services to seniors. to catalyse research related to ageing.
* We plan to achieve the targets within the next 10-15 years, except where stated otherwise.
28 29CHAPTER 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.
30 311
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, Singapore’s 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 33In 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 Manpower’s 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 35Taxi 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 HPB’s 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 37May 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.”
And it is a promising win-win
situation for some seniors.
2 LIFELONG
LEARNING
subsidies. The credit will not expire.
A new National Silver Academy will be
Madam Chung Len Neo may be 88, set up to provide a wide range of learning
As a society, Singapore places a high opportunities for seniors to learn for
but her fingers are still deft enough premium on education and training.
to transform newspapers into interest and stay active. We aim to
The government has invested heavily in provide some 30,000 places for senior
100 carrier bags a week. She developing a strong education and training
earns 15 cents a bag but chooses learners eventually. The Academy will
WHEN his mother struggled to find system for both our young and adult
to donate her “wages” to charity. comprise a network of institutions such
ways to spend her time meaningfully workforce. Since its establishment in 2003,
The sprightly widow who lives as Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs),
after his father’s passing, an idea the Singapore Workforce Development Agency
alone in a two-room flat in Lengkok community organisations and PSEIs.
formed in Mr Eugene Goh’s brain. (WDA) and its partners have set up a network
Bahru said: “Some may want Starting in mid-2016, seniors can
The 39-year-old former civil servant of career centres to help Singaporeans
to earn the money but I want to participate in selected courses offered by
thought if his mum had a hard time with their employment and training needs,
donate it.” PSEIs without having to take examinations
feeling productive, what about supported many training providers to offer and only for a token fee. Seniors can also
other people her age? At the same quality training for our workers, developed
The newspaper carrier bags are attend short courses provided by the
time, he knew that local Small and national Singapore Workforce Skills
just a start. Mr Goh is exploring PSEIs as well as the Nanyang Academy
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were Qualifications (WSQ) frameworks covering
ways for 2,500 seniors to be gainfully of Fine Arts, the LaSalle College of the Arts
struggling with manpower issues, more than 30 industries, and set up an
employed through micro-work like and non-profit community organisations
given the national move to cut back Institute for Adult Learning that trains
making gifts, packing wedding and VWOs such as YAH! and Society for
on the reliance on foreign labour. adult educators. Our Post-Secondary
novelties or labelling items by hand. WINGS, an organisation that reaches out
Education Institutions (PSEIs) also offer to women aged 40 and above. Short
Tapping on his experience as a Ministry of Education-subsidised part-time
former management consultant, he courses offered under the Academy
courses to working adults seeking to will be subsidised by the government.
became a matchmaker... of sorts. upgrade their skills. SkillsFuture will further
In late 2014, he set up SilverForce, Seniors will also be able to use their
drive national efforts to encourage lifelong SkillsFuture Credit for selected Academy
a social enterprise that matches learning and to help every Singaporean
SMEs with senior citizens who can courses which are skills-related
develop skills mastery for the future. from the second quarter of 2016.
provide a service while working
from their homes or activity centres.
The Council for Third Age aims to reach
Going forward, we will create more
For example, he convinced out to a total of 100 schools and VWOs
opportunities for Singaporeans to
Bollywood Veggies, an organic to come on board the Intergenerational
continue to enrich their silver years
farm in Kranji, to buy newspaper Learning Programme (ILP). Organised
through the pursuit of lifelong learning.
carrier bags made by the seniors by students, the ILP pairs students with
at NTUC Health’s SilverAce Senior senior learners to learn about various
SkillsFuture Credit topics such as IT, social media and
Activity Centre.
In January 2016, every Singapore Citizen photography. The ILP serves as a platform
aged 25 and above received an initial for seniors to pursue lifelong learning and
credit of $500 which they can use to pay helps strengthen inter-generational ties
for about 10,000 approved skills-related through the sharing of knowledge and
courses, on top of existing government experiences between the young and the old.
38 3970 and working on
his fourth degree...
and he is not done yet
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 children’s age. rally some 10,000 older employees
The President’s 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 President’s Volunteerism and volunteer opportunities. Seniors
HE HAS a bachelor’s 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 doesn’t plan to stop with this
things. As I run a management and accountancy degree. He’s 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 it’s 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 41The 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 society’s Women and
Family Department. She organises
charity carnivals, develops women’s
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 Jamiyah’s 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 Jamiyah’s 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, Parkinson’s 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 people’s 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 43Going forward, the Ministry of Health
will launch a new National Senior’s
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.
Some of the new initiatives seniors can look
forward to are:
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 People’s 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 45Next 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 senior’s 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 Seah’s 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 Seah’s strength,
reflexes and visual acuity.
Madam Seah found the assessment
useful. She said: “All along I thought
it was my knees that were giving me
problems because I can’t squat easily
and when I do, I find it hard to get
3
up. But now that the nurse says it To test her contrast sensitivity,
could be my back because that’s Madam Seah has to match the
where I’m experiencing pain, I might
6
symbol she sees. Poor contrast
want to schedule some physiotherapy The Timed Up and Go Test measures Madam Seah’s 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 47better 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.
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a key pillar
supporting the retirement needs of our population.
To enable Singaporeans to save more for their own
retirement, the government has been rebalancing
the CPF system towards retirement and healthcare
needs. In view of longer life expectancy, a national
annuity scheme CPF LIFE was introduced in 2009
to provide a steady stream of income for life when
Singaporeans reach their age at which they can
start receiving their CPF LIFE payouts. To provide
added retirement income, the Ministry of National
Development (MND) has further enhanced the
Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing
Bonus to provide greater flexibility to suit
different needs and allow more elderly
households to unlock their housing equity.
Seniors with healthcare needs can benefit
from enhanced subsidies and expanded
Medisave use for outpatient care. Premium
subsidies for MediShield Life are available to
seniors from lower and middle income households.
Finally, for those who still cannot afford care,
there is Medifund, a government endowment
fund to ensure no Singaporean is denied good
basic medical care because of the inability
to pay. In November 2007, Medifund Silver
was launched to deliver targeted assistance
to needy elderly Singaporean patients.
For seniors who require long-term care, subsidy
coverage was expanded in 2012 to cover up to
48 49Singaporeans 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.
Singaporeans aged 55 and above enjoy
an additional 1% of CPF interest on the
first $30,000 of their CPF balances from
2016. This means they can enjoy a higher
risk-free interest rate of up to 6%.
CPF contribution rates for older workers
have increased to help Singaporeans
save more while working. From 2016,
workers aged 50 to 55 enjoy the
same CPF contribution rates as their
younger counterparts.
CPF monthly salary ceiling has
increased from $5,000 to $6,000 from
2016. This will enable more Singaporeans
50 51You can also read
