Data on Seniors Aged 65 and Above Living Alone and Plans for New Initiatives to Prevent Unattended Deaths

25 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the updated number of seniors aged 65 and above who are living alone, as of 2025; and (b) whether there are any new Government-led initiatives beyond active ageing programmes and befriending activities, to further prevent cases of seniors dying alone.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: In 2024, around 87,000 residents aged 65 and above were living alone.

To prevent incidences of seniors dying alone at home, there needs to be an active befriending programme in the community. The Silver Generation Office's work with grassroots volunteers and outreach by Active Ageing Centres are significant efforts to address this and other issues relating to ageing. We will continue to build up outreach efforts through these initiatives.