SINGAPORE – Singapore is rolling out a new initiative called Age Well Neighbourhoods, aimed at empowering seniors to live comfortably and independently within their own homes. The pilot will launch in Toa Payoh, one of the nation’s oldest estates, where nearly a quarter of residents are aged 65 and above.
According to CNA, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled the plan in his National Day Rally speech, noting that while “community care apartments” (integrated senior-friendly housing and care) are valuable, they cannot be the sole solution due to land constraints and seniors’ preference to age in place.
Authorities will increase onsite access to essential touchpoints by identifying new locations for Active Ageing Centres (AACs), ensuring seniors don’t have to walk more than 1 km to reach one . These centres will offer a wide range of activities—from fitness classes to carpentry workshops—encouraging social engagement and “forge close friendships”.
Home-based support services will be expanded extensively. Seniors will receive care tailored to their needs, including assistance with showering, feeding, light household chores, laundry, meal delivery, and basic health checks. Dedicated care staff will coordinate these services and act as first responders during emergencies.
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The Ministry of Health will bring healthcare closer to residents through community health posts. These posts will allow nurses to provide follow-up care, medication management, and basic consultations without requiring seniors to visit clinics.
The Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, also shared that the Health Ministry is exploring permanent Home Personal Care posts in neighborhoods with high senior populations. Located within the community, these teams—staffed regionally—can provide after-hours care and serve as first responders during emergencies, easing caregiver burdens significantly.
Together, these measures aim to consolidate—and integrate care resources into focused communities to create “Age Well Neighbourhoods” where seniors can thrive, not be isolated. The model uses existing Housing Board estates, avoiding large-scale redevelopment, making it practical and scalable.
If the pilot succeeds, authorities plan to expand the Age Well Neighbourhood model to other areas with high senior populations, signaling a broader shift toward proactive, community-embedded care across Singapore.
