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What is the problem being addressed?
A significant portion of Singapore’s population is both poor and elderly, and the greatest barriers to their communities they experience is social isolation. Stigma against disability or economic status keep them out of social circles, leading to increasing depression and suicides among elderly citizens between 2010 and 2014.
What is their innovative solution?
- Action: Local governments prioritized the development of charities, welfare groups, and area hospitals that contributed to monitoring the well being of and providing connection for the elderly poor. A citizen would have the same nurse or houseworker spending time with them every day to help improve their physical and mental health and give them a renewed desire to be a part of their communities.
- People: Government Family and Life Development committees; NTUC Health Support; Helping Joy
- Resources: Government support in the form of food vouchers and medical subsidies or entitlements; Involvement from influential charities and Health Networks
How can this be applied to Meadville?
20.1% of Meadville’s population is at or above the age of 60, and 14.1% of that population was identified as below the poverty line in the 2010 census. We can avoid this demographic being left behind by promoting involvement opportunities and charities that target the elderly community, as well as ensuring sufficient professionals of mental health and homecare resources are available, Meadville can increase the ability of this demographic to be involved in their community.
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