THE government has started work to prepare for an ageing population, said Mr Lim Boon Heng, MP for Jurong GRC, in a parliament session on Monday.

This was in reply to Nominated MP (NMP) Mr Laurence Wee Yoke Thong's questions on what measures are being taken to promote active ageing in Singapore.

In Mr Lim's answers, he mentioned that the government will be promoting re-employment and continuous education.

It also intends to enhance financial security through CPF LIFE and study how to help citizens finance their long-term care needs.

The Council for Third Age, which was set up two years ago and working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports (MCYS), is rebranding the annual Senior Citizens' Week. It will now be known as the Active Ageing Festival and community projects will be organised to reach out to 50,000 seniors.

This project is to enable elderly to remain active, independent, financially secured and productively engaged.

Another initiative, a Wellness Programme, will be implemented in 24 more constituencies next year, in which the elderly can then benefit from health screenings and other activities.

Mr Lim pointed out that more than 8,000 seniors has benefited from the pilot programme which is currently held in 12 constituencies.

However, he also noted that active ageing is ultimately a matter of personal responsibility and that support is needed from friends, peers and family members.

While trying to minimise the number of vulnerable and needy elderly in the future, Mr Lim noted that there will still be some who will need help.

He said that the government will initiate various policies to help families fulfil their responsibilities.

"We're optimistic that this vision can be achieved," said Mr Lim in his reply.

Schemes for the needy elderly

IN a parliament session on Monday, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Dr Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted various schemes to help the needy elderly.

His answers were in reply to a question posed by Nominated MP (NMP), Mr Terry Lee, on the day-to-day living conditions of the aged and assistance programmes for elderly destitute families.

The Minister answered that the needs of the elderly are multi-faceted and that the three broad areas the government are tackling are financial means, accessible and affordable healthcare, as well as social engagement.

He highlighted that various ComCare schemes are available to help the needy elderly financially, in which recipients of the Public Assistance scheme allows for them to receive free medical care and are eligible for highly subsidised rental flats.

Customisation of specific needs is also possible with the help of voluntary welfare organisations and charities.

In terms of healthcare, Dr Balakrishnan said that the government is committed to developing a healthcare system which is relevant to Singapore's ageing demography.

This includes developing more community hospitals, nursing homes and day care centres, as well as assisting in paying for healthcare costs through a subsidy framework and Medifund.

A Wellness Programme will be rolled out over the next few years to prevent the elderly poor from being socially isolated by providing them with better health, physicaly activity and socialisation among older residents.

Twenty-three more Senior Activity Centres will also be fitted beneath HDB blocks with high number of elderly households to provide support and social activities for the elderly.

"The Ministerial Committee on Ageing will continue to monitor and introduce measures as needed so that our elderly can age in dignity and with grace," said Dr Balakrishnan.