In his Budget speech today (Feb 16), DPM Lawrence Wong announced that the government will be investing S$3.5 billion over the next decade for initiatives under Age Well SG, a national programme that helps seniors to age actively, stay socially connected, and be cared for within their own communities.
This includes the expansion of Singapore’s network of active ageing centres to offer a wider range of programmes such as physical exercises to volunteering activities, as well as the development of more assisted living options such as Community Care Apartments.
The government will also implement “silver upgrades” in residential properties in the form of therapeutic gardens and barrier-free ramps, as well as senior-friendly home fittings to help people “live more independently and safely”.
Other plans are improvements to commuter infrastructure for seniors’ mobility and safety, such as the implementation of more sheltered linkways, bus stops with senior-friendly features, as well as safer and more pedestrian-friendly roads.
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