By 2030, approximately one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older, up from one in 10 in 2010. With this number increasing, more elderly are also at risk of social isolation and loneliness.
To support an aging society, it has been reported that the Government will be opening more Senior Care and Active Aging Centres. It aims to expand both the scale and scope of these centres to help seniors age in place.
SPD operates three Senior Care Centres (SSC) which are located in Canberra, Melody Spring Yishun, as well as in Toa Payoh. These centres offer day care and therapy programmes, also extending social and financial support to the seniors and their families.
“As we grow older, it is common to experience health challenges or disabilities that can make daily activities harder to manage. Our aim is to offer a welcoming space where seniors can stay physically and mentally active, while also enjoying opportunities to connect with others and build a strong sense of community,” said Karen Loh, centre manager of SPD@Canberra.
The Importance of Community
Creating a nurturing and supportive environment for seniors to age in place takes a whole community.
While staff ensure the delivery of quality care, volunteers play a vital role in this mission. From leading group exercises, to tending to garden plots, and facilitating karaoke sessions, the volunteers bring creativity and heart to every activity. Mr Jason Tan, a former SPD client, is now a dedicated volunteer and familiar face at the centre.
In September 2024, Mr Tan developed a back injury from work and was referred to SPD@Canberra for pain management, as well as strengthening and mobilisation exercises. The 64-year-old was inspired by how the staff always went the extra mile to meet the seniors’ needs.
“My experience at SPD@Canberra was so positive. The staff were genuinely committed to helping us improve and they made us feel like family,” shared Mr Tan.
“When I saw how much the seniors enjoyed the activities, I discussed with my wife if there was anything that we could do to give back. As music is the greatest medicine, we decided to organise karaoke sessions at the centre. It has been four months and we’ve been having a great time engaging the seniors!”
Mr Tan had gone above and beyond to research for the best karaoke apps and invested in one that offered high-quality audio, as well as a wide selection of classic songs that the seniors liked. Initially, many were hesitant to sing in front of others. Mr Tan took the lead, performing for them and encouraging participation by letting them choose their favorite songs to break the ice. Gradually, the seniors started to open up and were more forthcoming.
Providing upmost care for seniors
With the support of volunteers like Mr Tan, SPD’s staff can devote more attention to seniors with higher care needs. While volunteers lead group activities, the staff could turn their attention to provide more targeted and personalised care — whether it’s helping a senior with mobility issues, supporting someone through emotional challenges, or coordinating care plans with family members. This complementary dynamic not only enhances the overall experience for seniors but also allows the centre to serve a wider group in the community more effectively.
Ultimately, it’s about the community as a whole — people coming together to support, uplift, and walk alongside one another.
As more volunteers step forward to support more seniors in finding joy and meaning through connections, centres like SPD@Canberra become more than a care facility. They become places of hope, healing and new beginnings.
Source:
Action Plan for Successful Ageing 2023, August 2024, Ministry of Health Singapore