Following Up on Seniors Who Called Helplines During COVID-19 Pandemic and Restoration of Social Activities for Seniors

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health in light of the increased number of seniors who have sought assistance through helplines during the COVID-19 pandemic (a) whether there are Government programmes that follow up on these seniors who have sought helpline assistance over issues like pandemic fatigue and uncertainty; and (b) how does the Government intend to facilitate the restoration of routines and social activities for seniors, balancing the pandemic health risk with the mental wellness of seniors.

The Government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our seniors' social and emotional well-being, and has worked with various stakeholders to support our seniors.

Helplines are available for vulnerable seniors to receive timely support. Over 35,000 seniors have received assistance through The Seniors Helpline and CareLine during the pandemic. Seniors who need more help will be referred to appropriate agencies, such as Family Service Centres, Social Service Offices and Active Ageing Centres for continued care and follow-up.

Since November last year, we have worked with community partners to progressively resume active-ageing programmes and facilitating seniors' participation in a safe manner. The Health Promotion Board (HPB), People's Association (PA) and Council for Third Age (C3A), as well as others, restarted face-to-face classes and activities in tandem with the adjustments in the national safe management measures (SMMs). Seniors may also continue to engage meaningfully through our partners' range of digital offerings.