Dealing with New Demographic Challenges of Ageing Population and Impact on Healthcare Policies

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health (a) how is the Government strategising to cope with the new demographic challenges of an ageing population; and (b) how will this impact healthcare policies, particularly for the elderly.

The Ministerial Committee of Ageing (MCA) hence brings together multiple Government agencies to holistically respond to our ageing society. In 2015, the MCA launched the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, a national blueprint to enable Singaporeans to age gracefully and confidently.

Since then, we made progress in areas such as employment, learning and volunteering opportunities and senior-friendly infrastructure. Planning for ageing is a continuous journey and the MCA will refresh the Action Plan so that we continue catering to the evolving needs of current and future seniors. The refreshed Action Plan will centre around "Care", "Contribution" and "Connectedness", where we encourage seniors to stay active, healthy, and engaged.

We also update our healthcare and ageing-related policies to keep pace with our demographic shifts. For example, to support the social and emotional needs of our seniors living alone, we are rolling out a new Eldercare Centre service model from 2021. These centres will provide a suite of services, including active ageing programmes, befriending or buddying, and information and referral to care services that will enable all seniors to stay well. They will become the go to points in the community, for seniors. The Silver Generation Office (SGO) also proactively reaches out to our seniors, and befriends lonely seniors living alone to pre-empt social isolation.

In healthcare funding, we have revamped the ElderShield scheme into CareShield Life, to offer better protection against old age disabilities. We have implemented the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages, to help seniors have greater peace of mind as they ages.

The MCA and MOH will continue to build an inclusive society that amplifies opportunities from ageing.