By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older. The ageing population will affect all levels and arenas of Singapore society; individuals, families, and even organisations. The financial implications of this demographic transition have been a key concern for the government.

Against the above backdrop, this book seeks to achieve the following. Firstly, to provide readers with a better understanding of the physical and psychological changes and illnesses as they age. Secondly, it looks at the infrastructure and tools to enable seniors to age-in-place as well as the necessary support and training for family and caregivers. The third aim highlights how and why we need to integrate older workers fully into the workplace, as well as the changes needed to attain this goal. Finally, this book emphasises that ageing should not be seen in a negative light and that there are vast opportunities and dividends that could result from longevity in the 21st century.

Ultimately, the goal of this book is to facilitate older adults to age gracefully in Singapore, living out their golden years with dignity in the community, and be given the opportunities to continue to contribute meaningfully to society and live purposeful lives.

Dr Helen Ko is an Associate Professor with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, teaching courses in the Master and PhD in Gerontology programmes. She is concurrently Executive Director of Beyond Age, a training consultancy focusing on ageing issues. For over 30 years, Prof Ko pioneered the development of several programmes for seniors in Singapore: gerontological counselling, day care, case management services and seniors’ employment/employability programmes. Prof Ko has served on various national committees in Singapore, including the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Ageing Population. She was previously Research Advisor for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Board Director for the Council for Third Age and St Luke’s Hospital. She is currently an Advisor for St Luke’s Eldercare, and an Honorary Fellow of the University of Hong Kong’s Sau Po Centre on Ageing. She had also previously held key appointments at various non-profit organisations.