Do Good Fest
CHILDREN SENIORS ENVIRONMENT MENTAL WELLBEING VIDEO SERIES
icon-seniors
children
children
children

When focusing on keeping up with the future, we tend to overlook the past.

The past that helped shape our future.

NOT CONVINCED?

Senior Isolation
In a study of 1021 seniors, 62% felt that they were socially disconnected. Despite 79% of the respondents living with their family, they still feel lonely and isolated.
Singapore Chinese Health Study, 2021
Living Alone
The percentage of Singaporeans aged 65 and above living alone grew from 6.6% in 2000 to 8.9% in 2015.
Department Of Statistics Singapore, 2015
chart
It is estimated that the number will increase from 41,200 to 83,000 by 2030.
Singapore Ministry Of Health, 2016

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Social Isolation can increase the risk of mental health issues. Being surrounded by people does not necessarily mean that you aren’t lonely. The same goes for the seniors. They need to be cared for and remain meaningfully engaged. Small actions such as engaging them through activities and asking about their wellbeing can help curb their loneliness.

Depression Among The Seniors
1 in 5 seniors aged 75 and above and living at home exhibited signs of depression
Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study, 2012

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Some of the common causes for depression in seniors include loneliness, moving to a new life stage and dependence on others due to disability. You can help mitigate this issue by learning how to engage seniors to show them that you care.

Digital Literacy
As of 2019, only 58% of residents aged 60 and above are internet users as compared to 89% for all residents.
Infocomm Media Development Authority, 2019

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Having the knowledge to use technology has become a key factor to participating in society. As seniors are among the least technologically savvy group in our population, they may feel left out as a result, contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

INTERACTING WITH SENIORS

COMMUNICATING WITH THE ELDERLY

COMMUNICATING WITH THE ELDERLY

1. SPEAK SLOWLY, CLEARLY AND LOUDLY

As we grow older, our 5 senses tend to become less sharp. This makes it harder for us to notice small details. Therefore if necessary, you should speak louder to seniors, but do not shout. Keep your sentences short and simple to aid them in understanding.

2. SIT FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE SENIORS

Some seniors may be experiencing vision or hearing loss. You can help them better understand what you are saying by sitting in front of them as reading your lips may help them to better comprehend what you are saying. It also helps them to focus on you, reducing distractions for them.

3. BE A LISTENER

Refrain from speaking quickly or sharing too much information at once. Pause and listen, give them time to absorb what you say. The seniors may require more time to process and the details. You can also let them lead a conversation by listening to what they want to talk about. A brief pause by them could mean that they are thinking of a response, do not rush them.

4. MAINTAIN EYE LEVEL WHEN CONVERSING

Always put yourself in the shoes of the seniors. For instance, if a senior is a wheelchair user, sit instead of stand to maintain better eye contact.

5. BE PATIENT AND EMPATHETIC

Be prepared to repeat or rephrase your explanations and demonstrations over a few times. If possible, allow them to write down notes so they can go through it whenever they wish to.

FIND THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

FIND THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

You can strengthen the bond between you and the seniors by doing simple acts together. This can range from playing games, having a conversation to even teaching them how to search up their favourite songs and singers using a smartphone. Bring joy to their lives and let them know that they matter.

back-to-top