Building a Multi-Stakeholder Support System – Reducing Loneliness Among the Elderly
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https://www.zaobao.com.sg/lifestyle/health/story20260505-8969468?utm_source=android-share&utm_medium=app
Author: Associate Professor Lee Cheng
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Institute of Mental Health
President of the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Lianhe Zaobao
Published 2026-05-05
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As Singapore’s population continues to age, some elderly individuals are gradually being excluded from digital social circles due to insufficient digital skills, increasing their risk of social isolation and loneliness. To improve this situation, support can be provided at the individual, family, and societal levels to help them learn digital tools, participate in community activities, and build closer social connections, enabling them to experience a greater sense of belonging in their later years.
Official statistics in Singapore show that as of June 2025, citizens aged 65 and above made up about 20.7% of the population, up from about 19.9% in 2024, reflecting the continuing acceleration of population ageing.
With improvements in healthcare and living conditions, life expectancy continues to rise, and how to enhance quality of life in old age has become an important issue that society must confront.
Ageing is an inevitable part of life for everyone. From physical decline to changes in social roles and psychological states, the elderly stage is often accompanied by multiple challenges. Many older adults gradually lose their work identity and social circles after retirement. Coupled with declining health, reduced mobility, or the loss of relatives and friends, they may experience low mood, increased loneliness, and even cognitive decline. Without timely attention and intervention, this can not only affect quality of life but also increase the risk of illness and mortality.
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Associate Professor Lee Cheng believes that older adults should actively participate in community activities. This helps them stay physically and mentally active while also building friendships and strengthening their sense of belonging.
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In modern society, rapid technological development is meant to bring convenience, but for some elderly people, it has become a new barrier. Some older adults report difficulty in using smartphones, social media, or video-calling tools proficiently, which unintentionally excludes them from digital social circles. A lack of digital skills makes it harder for them to stay in touch with distant family and friends, as well as to participate in online activities and community interactions. In such situations, some elderly individuals may feel lonely even when surrounded by people, while others, despite having small social circles, may not feel isolated if their relationships are close and meaningful. This shows that “social isolation” and “loneliness” are not entirely the same: the former is an objective condition, while the latter is a subjective experience.
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Helping Older Adults Feel Respected, Needed, and Supported
We can take action at the individual, family, and societal levels to create a warmer and more supportive living environment for older adults, enabling them to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling later life. Below are some practical suggestions and directions:
First, encourage elderly individuals to actively participate in community activities. Many community centers regularly organize courses and activities suitable for seniors, such as light exercise, tai chi, dance, cooking classes, handicrafts, and even visits to cultural or religious sites. These activities not only help them stay physically active but also provide opportunities to build friendships and enhance their sense of belonging.
Second, participating in volunteer work is a meaningful option. Older adults possess rich life experience and skills, which can be applied in community centers, libraries, schools, or charitable organizations. Whether assisting with activities, accompanying others, or sharing experiences, these contributions allow them to feel valued while expanding their social networks and reducing loneliness.
Third, promoting the learning of new technologies among seniors is especially important. Through simple and easy-to-understand training, they can master basic smartphone use, video calls, online payments, and social media. This not only improves convenience in daily life but also enables them to stay connected with family more easily. Patience and guidance from children and younger family members are particularly crucial in this regard.
Fourth, for elderly individuals already affected by loneliness, mental health support should be emphasized. Psychological counseling and emotional support can help them better cope with life changes and emotional fluctuations. In addition, companionship programs or buddy initiatives—where volunteers are paired with seniors for regular visits, conversations, or shared activities—can provide emotional support and enhance their sense of anticipation and confidence in life.
Fifth, the role of the family is indispensable. Family members should regularly stay in touch with older relatives through visits, phone calls, or video calls. Even simple greetings can bring great comfort. Celebrating festivals or small life events together, such as birthdays and anniversaries, can strengthen family bonds. Encouraging seniors to reconnect with old friends or build relationships with neighbors also helps create a stable support network.
Sixth, at the societal level, public environments and policy support should be further improved. The design of public spaces should consider the mobility needs of older adults, such as barrier-free facilities, rest areas, and clear signage systems. Providing transport subsidies or shuttle services for those with limited mobility can make it easier for them to participate in social activities or attend medical appointments. Governments, communities, and civil organizations should also strengthen collaboration to promote more senior-centered service programs.
In summary, addressing the transition toward a super-aged society is not only a family responsibility but a shared challenge for the entire society. We must build a more inclusive and caring environment so that every older adult can feel respected, needed, and supported in their later years. By promoting social participation, enhancing digital skills, strengthening psychological care, and improving support systems, we can effectively reduce loneliness and isolation among the elderly.
Let us work together to create a society without lonely old age, where every older adult can continue to live with dignity, warmth, and vitality in the later stages of life.
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