How Proactive Care Can Delay Ageing Issues and Enhance Quality of Life for Singapore’s Seniors

Ageing is a natural process, but recent research reveals it often occurs in accelerated bursts, particularly around the ages of 44 and 60. These shifts can lead to physical and cognitive challenges such as frailty, muscle loss, and memory decline.

While these changes are inevitable, early and proactive care can significantly slow their progression and help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. This is especially critical in Singapore, where the nation is set to become a “super-aged society” by 2026, with over one in five citizens aged 65 or older.

Why does ageing seem to start earlier?

The perception that ageing issues like cognitive decline, frailty, and loss of motor skills are occurring earlier is both true and false. On one hand, today’s elderly are more active than previous generations, with 60 becoming the new 40 in some cases. On the other hand, modern lifestyle choices are contributing to early onset of these issues. Poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle dominated by screens, stress, and convenient but unhealthy habits such as food delivery and reduced physical activity are accelerating these changes.

At 44, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of muscle-strengthening activities can result in fat accumulation and decreased vitality. By 60, the loss of muscle mass becomes a prominent issue, often leading to reduced mobility and frailty. These changes are rooted in alterations in proteins that impact skin, muscle, and cardiovascular health, resulting in functional decline.

How to spot early signs of decline?

Families often ask how to recognise frailty or cognitive decline in their loved ones. Physical signs might include slower recovery from exertion, difficulties with balance, or challenges completing once-routine tasks. Cognitive issues, on the other hand, may present as memory lapses, confusion, or difficulty making decisions.

More practical indicators include social withdrawal, reduced mental sharpness, or noticeable changes in performance at work or in hobbies. For example, an individual’s driving behaviour may change, such as instances of unintentionally ending up in familiar places rather than the intended destination. Recognising these signs early allows families to seek intervention before these issues escalate.

Proactive care approach

When dealing with age-related issues, focus on early intervention before they become severe.  Our programmes are personalised to each individual’s needs, combining physical and cognitive activities to maintain or even improve functionality.

These include low-impact exercises like seated chair routines to build muscle and improve balance while reducing the risk of falls, cognitive engagement activities such as card games, arts and crafts, and mahjong to keep the mind active. We’ve found that one-to-one curated programmes, paired with community activities, offer the best results by encouraging participation and preventing social withdrawal.

Lifestyle changes to support healthy ageing

Small, sustainable adjustments can have a significant impact. Encouraging seniors to move more, stay hydrated, and reduce alcohol and carbohydrate intake can improve overall health. Simple routines like daily walks or playing games that challenge the mind can enhance both physical strength and mental sharpness.

For families, creating a supportive environment is key. Strong bonds and active engagement can inspire seniors to remain independent. However, it’s often helpful to involve professional caregivers who can introduce new activities or routines from an outsider’s perspective.

Building a community of care

On a larger scale, fostering an elder-friendly society is crucial. Accessible infrastructure, such as wheelchair-friendly public spaces and “silver zones” with special road areas with measures like reduced speed limits, longer green-man timings, narrower lanes, and barrier-free crossings, empower seniors to navigate their neighbourhoods safely.

For instance, the Silver Zone along West Coast Drive, completed in July 2023, includes an 800m stretch with a speed limit reduced to 40kmh and new crossing points designed to minimise accidents. These initiatives have proven effective, with accident rates involving seniors decreasing by 80% in Silver Zones islandwide. By creating such senior-centric spaces, communities can enhance the independence and well-being of their elderly residents.

At the family level, bridging generational gaps through shared activities and open communication creates a strong foundation for care. When families work together with communities, seniors feel empowered to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Advice for caregivers

For caregivers, my advice is simple, be aware, informed, and proactive. Educate yourself through reading and courses to better understand ageing and caregiving. By recognising early signs, you can connect your loved ones with the right resources and agencies to slow or even prevent decline.

Equally important is to remember that caregiving is not a one-way street. The elderly can learn new routines and skills at any age, fostering a sense of purpose and independence. Early intervention and sustained effort can greatly improve the quality of life for both caregivers and seniors alike.

Ageing may be inevitable, but how we age is within our control. By taking proactive steps and fostering a supportive community, we can help our elders live with dignity, independence, and joy for many years to come.

Contributed by Dr. Winston Hwang, Medical Director at iKare

Images: Envato