SINGAPORE: Five Community Development Councils (CDCs) have come together to champion the cause of social support for the elderly.
They are doing this through an initiative called "Caring for the Silver Community".
It was launched on Sunday morning by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
The initiative aims to raise awareness and engage the community in enhancing social support programmes for seniors.
The CDCs will lead and support community programmes to reach out to seniors in the community.
They have three strategic thrusts - promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, strengthening assistance for vulnerable seniors, and developing senior volunteerism.
Chairperson of the Mayors' Committee and Mayor of South West District, Dr Amy Khor, said the CDCs have worked with community stakeholders to identify the areas to focus on.
One way is to reach out to the less active seniors
Another is to harness the experience of able and healthy seniors to help the less able.
Mayor of North East District, Mr Teo Ser Luck, said there is a need to develop strong social networks involving family members, friends and the community in providing care and social support.
He said the North East CDC has put in place various schemes to render help to the elderly, as well as meaningful programmes to encourage them to pursue active ageing and give back to the community.
One of them is the Falls Prevention Programme.
The CDC organises workshops on ways to prevent falls and provides subsidised anti-skid footwear to needy elderly residents.
They are doing this through an initiative called "Caring for the Silver Community".
It was launched on Sunday morning by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
The initiative aims to raise awareness and engage the community in enhancing social support programmes for seniors.
The CDCs will lead and support community programmes to reach out to seniors in the community.
They have three strategic thrusts - promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, strengthening assistance for vulnerable seniors, and developing senior volunteerism.
Chairperson of the Mayors' Committee and Mayor of South West District, Dr Amy Khor, said the CDCs have worked with community stakeholders to identify the areas to focus on.
One way is to reach out to the less active seniors
Another is to harness the experience of able and healthy seniors to help the less able.
Mayor of North East District, Mr Teo Ser Luck, said there is a need to develop strong social networks involving family members, friends and the community in providing care and social support.
He said the North East CDC has put in place various schemes to render help to the elderly, as well as meaningful programmes to encourage them to pursue active ageing and give back to the community.
One of them is the Falls Prevention Programme.
The CDC organises workshops on ways to prevent falls and provides subsidised anti-skid footwear to needy elderly residents.
