Addressing Loneliness and Psychological Distress among Seniors Living Alone

28 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what trends the Government is observing regarding seniors living alone and associated mental health risks; (b) how community-based detection and early intervention for loneliness and psychological distress among seniors are being strengthened; and (c) how these efforts align with Singapore's broader preventive health strategy.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, the number of one-person households for those aged 65 and above has more than doubled from 2014 to 2024, rising from 42,100 to 87,200 households. Based on a local study published by the Duke-NUS Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE) in 2018, older adults aged 60 and above and who lived alone were twice as likely to report depressive symptoms as those who did not live alone.

Under Age Well SG, the Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts to address social isolation by drawing seniors out of their homes and encouraging them to participate in active ageing programmes. The Silver Generation Office conducts outreach to identify at-risk seniors and connect them to community resources, such as Active Ageing Centres, for buddying and befriending services. Seniors with psychological needs will be referred to the community mental health teams for assessment and support.