OLDER SINGAPOREANS (Improvement of social and physical well-being)

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OLDER SINGAPOREANS:

(Improvement of social and physical well-being): 12.

Mr Ong Ah Heng asked the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports what plans his Ministry has to (i) improve the social and physical well-being of our growing numbers of older Singaporeans and (ii) raise the social standing of older people in Singapore.

The Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan): Mr Speaker, Sir, let me first assure Mr Ong that older Singaporeans are doing well, both physically and socially. A survey conducted in 2003 showed that more than 90% of our elderly lead active lifestyles. Similarly, another survey showed that 80% of elderly have strong intergenerational ties, and about 15% of those above 65 years of age are active volunteers.

In preparing for our old age, it is important that we start early, to enhance our well-being in later years. For example, keeping healthy during our younger days will help delay the onset of the need for care or physical support later on. Similarly, building up our social network of friends and family and other contacts will also provide a reservoir for emotional and psychological support later on. It is also important to build up sufficient personal savings for financial independence in later years.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there are three principles that undergird our policies with respect to older Singaporeans. First, we recognise that senior citizens are valuable members of our society. Second, the family must remain the cornerstone of support for senior citizens. Third, all sectors of society are collectively responsible for the care of senior citizens. We believe in a many helping hands and integrated approach.

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Mr Speaker, Sir, we will maximise opportunities for our senior citizens to lead active lives through:

(1) Facilitating economic participation wherever possible;

(2) Enhancing social involvement in order to widen support networks; and

(3) Working towards a barrier-free environment to facilitate movement and access by all people.

These and many other issues would be addressed through the Committee on Ageing Issues which will look at ageing issues by collaborating with various ministries, in an integrated and holistic manner. Let me give you a few examples.

You have heard the Minister for Manpower describe the efforts of MOM to increase the employability of senior citizens. MND and its partners are working to reduce the barriers in the environment. MOH will study healthcare facilities and make them more accessible, and also to provide more secure sources of financing. At MCYS, we also have to ensure that there is a smooth continuum of services and facilities for the elderly and, just as important, for their families.

Under the Eldercare Masterplan for FY2001-2005, a comprehensive network of community-based support services and programmes have been put in place to enable the elderly to remain physically, mentally and socially active, and also to support the families in caring for their older members. These programmes include the Neighbourhood Links, Active Seniors Programmes, Befriender Services and Community Case Management Services.

For active ageing, our seniors must be encouraged to optimise opportunities for

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the promotion of their physical, social and mental well being. We will continue to develop more avenues and opportunities for their engagement and participation in the community via the following programmes:

(1) Expanding the Active Seniors Programme which focuses on promoting senior volunteerism;

(2) Enhancing the scope for seniors' involvement in a range of community-based programmes, including activities organised by Neighbourhood Links, especially those which adopt an intergenerational approach; and

(3) Nurturing the growth and development of Seniors Organisations and Networks.

Mr Speaker, Sir, it is also worth noting that the People's Association itself has 433 Senior Citizens Clubs, and the total membership of these clubs exceeds 212,000 members.

Sir, in conclusion, let me reiterate that we need to inculcate a positive attitude towards ageing and older people. My Ministry is also undertaking a systematic year-round public education programme, and we will continue to collaborate with the various agencies and non-Government organisations involved in order to conduct more public and professional forums, media campaigns and the production of resource materials on ageing issues.