Age Well Neighbourhoods scheme to integrate four existing initiatives

Scheme is 'next level of ambition' for nation's healthcare system: Ong Ye Kung

- Ang Qing

The Age Well Neighbourhoods scheme announced at the recent National Day Rally will integrate four ongoing programmes and focus them on communities here that are ageing quickly, so seniors can age in place in vibrant neighbourhoods, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Aug 24.

While it will be rolled out at Toa Payoh and other older towns for a start, the plan is to learn from these estates and eventually take Age Well Neighbourhoods islandwide, he added.

Mr Ong said the Age Well Neighbourhoods will harmonise active ageing centres that provide activities for the elderly, the construction of senior-friendly infrastructure as well as health services in the community and at home.

"Instead of spreading all these initiatives thinly around the island, we feel it is more effective and will make a bigger impact if we implement them in a consolidated way in communities with a higher density of seniors," he added.

Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, said the Age Well Neighbourhoods scheme is the "next level of ambition" for Singapore's healthcare system in its ongoing push to shift care away from hospitals and clinics into the community and residential homes.