Encouraging Elderly with Minimal Underlying Medical Conditions to be Involved in Social Activities and Community

28 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health given how the COVID-19 endemic has affected mental health among the elderly, whether those with minimal underlying medical conditions can be encouraged to leave the house more often in a safe manner so as to be involved in social activities and community.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: As the number of COVID-19 cases in the community remains high, seniors are advised to stay home as much as possible, except for essential activities, during the extended stabilisation phase. This is to protect them and to minimise their risks of exposure to the virus.

MOH recognises that reduced social interactions can negatively impact our seniors’ socio-emotional and mental well-being. As such, centre-based services, including exercise and cognitive activities, remain available, albeit with reduced capacities and safe management measures. We are working to augment these in light of the extended stabilisation phase. The People’s Association (PA) will also be piloting the resumption of selected activities for fully vaccinated seniors aged 60 and above. This will cover selected recreational activities ranging from sports and fitness, health and wellness to lifestyle and leisure, with safe management and infection control measures set in place. As the COVID-19 situation stabilises, we aim to have more partners gradually resume their activities.

Our partners have also made available digital offerings to keep seniors meaningfully engaged from home. For example, the Council for Third Age (C3A), Health Promotion Board (HPB), Sport Singapore (SportSG) and PA have pivoted their activities and talks onto various social media platforms to allow seniors to remain connected during this challenging time. Nonetheless, we recognise that not all seniors may be familiar with accessing services online and may face barriers. To complement this, the SG Digital Office under the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) actively trains seniors in basic digital skills. More than 100,000 seniors have benefited from this initiative to date.

We are also actively reaching out to vulnerable seniors at risk of social isolation, such as those with limited social support. The Silver Generation Office (SGO) has introduced tele-engagements since April 2020 to supplement in-person visits, to ensure that those who require care and support continue to receive assistance.

Lastly, even as the Government and our community partners expand our efforts to engage our seniors in a safe and meaningful manner, this ought not to diminish or replace the role of family support. As a key pillar of our Social Compact, families are the core of our society and our first line of support. Family members have shared responsibility in providing care and support for each other, including our seniors, alongside Government and community support. Together, as a society, we can play our respective roles in protecting, engaging and caring for our seniors during the pandemic.