How Singapore Helps To Improve The Lives And Prospects Of The Elderly
Age. Every minute, every second, this number grows. It represents how much closer we are to our eventual demise and along its way it brings the terrifying decay of our physical and mental health. Thus, you would expect people to be extensively planning for the future, in desperate hopes of a better retirement. However, the above is obviously not true. Truth be told, the younger generation probably prioritise looks over the ability to sustain themselves during their golden years. This is not due to ignorance but simply because there is little need to do so. In Singapore, we are bombarded with advertisements of the benefits senior citizens can receive and they are not just for show. From medical assistance to strong social networks to readily available recreation, I can confidently say that Singapore's excellent support for the elderly has helped them live truly “golden” years. In this essay, I will discuss how my country has helped to improved the lives and prospects of the elderly.
Firstly, the presence of medical assistance in Singapore such as the Community Health Assist Scheme for the lower-income and Medishield Life for the general public help ensure that every Singaporean and permanent resident are able to get affordable healthcare. This of course, include the elderly. However, in addition to the hefty subsidies from the two aforementioned schemes, the elderly also receive additional medical benefits from the pioneer generation package. The pioneer generation package give pioneers an extra fifty percent off for the price of services and medications at polyclinics or Specialist Outpatient Clinics that are already heavily subsidised by the government. Furthermore, the pioneer generation package also gives the elderly yearly Medisave top-ups which can go as high as $800, a respectable amount considering the rest of the medical benefits that the elderly receive. Thus, my country has helped improved the lives and prospects of the elderly in Singapore through giving them affordable healthcare, it assures the elderly that their medical problems would be resolved and gives them a peace of mind.
Secondly, the quality of social life, which is arguably as important as physical health albeit being overlooked, is very high for elderly in Singapore. The social networks of elderly in Singapore are very strong, it is common to see large groups of elderly stretching together or even small groups of elderly playing chess. There are even senior care centers such as the NTUC Health Silver Circle where the elderly are able to interact with one another. The social networks of the elderly are not only limited to other elderly but also extends to the younger generation, there are many organisations such as the Community Centers where youths volunteer themselves to help the elderly such as by helping them clean their houses or simply visiting an old folks home. Even though the main purpose of such events are to help the elderly have more convenience, I believe the main benefit comes from the interaction between the elderly and the youths. Thus, my country gives elderly a wider social circle, an often overlooked necessity that helps keep the elderly happy.
Lastly, outside the more important factors of good physical health and strong circle, my country also offers the elderly many opportunities to go on recreational experiences such as by giving lower admission rates to museums, art galleries and wildlife parks. There is even a museum named the 'Asian Civilisations Museum' that grants free admission to the elderly. The experiences the elderly have doing recreational activities ensures that even at their old age, they would still have many memorable moments. There are also numerous recreational activities by Singapore's Community Center such as Karaoke Pop Singing and bringing the elderly to experience the performing arts at the esplanade. Therefore, the elderly are able to have an exciting and fulfilling days, instead of letting days after days of doing nothing go to waste.
I hope the points I have made not only explains how Singapore has helped the elderly have better lives and prospects but also proofs to you that Singapore is the best at caring for its elderly. Top-notch healthcare, top quality social life and top tier recreational experiences, all of which at an elderly age. What more could you ask for? Well, it turns out you can. Till today and without a doubt into the far, far future, my country will continue to make life better for the elderly in every possible way. Singapore strives not for perfection but for what lies beyond it.
