More seniors in Singapore calling helpline over loneliness and mental health concerns: Charity

More seniors have called a helpline in the past two years to seek comfort and assistance for their loneliness, anxiety and emotional distress.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

The Aces Care HelpLife was launched in 2022 to help the elderly meet a number of challenges, from fixing light bulbs and leaky pipes to getting someone to accompany them to medical appointments.

But the charity that runs the helpline has noticed a steady increase in the number of seniors calling over issues related to mental health, it told The Sunday Times.

"Many elderly individuals live in isolation, which often leads to emotional distress, loneliness and early signs of depression. They experience anxiety, emotional distress, or even suicidal thoughts," said Aces Care centre director Loh Wee Hiang.

"Often, they just need someone to talk to. Our volunteers, trained in basic counselling, provide empathetic support and a listening ear," he added.

The helpline also refers callers to other agencies like the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) if the volunteers feel more specialised care is needed.

In more severe cases, like when callers express suicidal thoughts, the team refers them to professional counselling hotlines such as the Samaritans of Singapore and the Care Corner Counselling Hotline.

"Our team takes each case seriously and ensures that follow-up support is provided until the seniors receive the help they need," said Mr Loh.

Madam Azizah Abdul Rahim, who started volunteering with the helpline in 2023, said she recently encountered a senior who was under a lot of stress from caring for her elderly parents.

The woman needed help ferrying her sick parents to and from medical check-ups but had limited funds. Madam Azizah referred her to AIC for support.

"She was happy to know there was a place she could turn to," she said.

"Usually, seniors just need a listening ear to share their problems. Some are very depressed and face family issues but don't know where to turn to for help," she added.