Trend in Number of Seniors Living Alone and Staying Reclusive and Unconnected

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the trend in relation to the number of seniors aged 60 and above who live alone in Singapore; (b) what is the frequency of visits or checks on such seniors (i) under the Ministry’s Eldercare Centre service model, (ii) by Silver Generation Ambassadors or (iii) through other Government initiatives; and (c) whether the Government is monitoring the number of seniors who choose to stay reclusive and unconnected with the community.

The number of residents aged 65 and above who live alone in Singapore is rising, from 58,000 in 2018 to 79,000 in 2022. This number is expected to continue to increase as our population ages and average household size decreases.

The Silver Generation Office under the Agency for Integrated Care identifies seniors with needs or are at-risk, such as those who are living alone or are frailer. Silver Generation Ambassadors will visit them once a year and connect them with the relevant support or services.

As for seniors identified to require social support, they are referred to the Active Ageing Centres (AACs) which provide a suite of services, including active ageing programmes, referral to care services and health-related initiatives. AAC befrienders reach out to them typically at least once a month.

Other agencies, such as volunteers from the People’s Association and grassroots organisations or SG Cares Volunteer Centres under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, will also reach out to seniors who may need assistance and befriending.

Indeed, there will be seniors who decline assistance and choose to remain reclusive. Our experience is that if community partners continue to try to build trust and rapport, through check-ins and visits, we can eventually persuade them to take up care and support services when ready.

Ageing in communities will be a major national initiative under the Forward Singapore exercise. We will step up, expand and deepen our efforts in this area. Details will be announced later in the year when ready.