Our programmes and activities focus on the elements of Learn, Participate and Contribute. In support of the Ministry of Health's Action Plan for Successful Ageing 2023, we promote healthy ageing and social participation through the empowerment of seniors and by bringing together various stakeholders to create opportunities for age-friendly communities.

SUSS Gerontology Student and Alumni Community (SGSAC) formed a core team of 13 volunteers with diverse backgrounds in December 2021 and mobilised 80 volunteers from community partners, corporates, school, and alumni students to support senior residents staying at two rental blocks, 29 & 31, in Toa Payoh East with their relocation. Together, they contributed 1,785 community service hours on this project that impacted 42 seniors.

The resettlement is a significant milestone for many seniors, disrupting the familiarity, support system and comfort they have built living in Toa Payoh for many years. Our alumni and students supported these seniors by working closely with the relevant government agencies and community partners to smooth their resettlement journey. This helped minimise these seniors' anxiety and worry and enabled them to resettle with dignity and keep their fond memories intact, as they adjust to the new surroundings.

As the resettlement comes to an end in May 2023, SGSAC would like to share the video providing insights into this 18-month learning journey. 

LinkedIn ST article

MOS’ FB post

Studies on reminiscence have found that reminiscing can significantly increase blood flow to the brain, potentially up to 80 times. Reminiscence holds promise in easing symptoms of depression and slowing the progression of dementia and cognitive functioning. 

Since 2019, our Gerontology Program has been dedicated to promoting a sense of connection, purpose, and happiness among seniors and caregivers through a series of reminiscence-based interventions and engaging community activities. READ MORE

Storytelling evokes empathy and has a positive influence on the attitudes of older adults. Combat Ageism through Storytelling is a collaborative project that involves youth, teachers and our SUSS Geron alumni to address ageist attitudes through a proven method and create opportunities for intergenerational collaborations.

WHO Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) is a community-based approach towards person-centred health and social care to optimise the functional ability of older people.

The ICOPE Framework aims to assist health, social care workers and caregivers to

1. Screen older people at risk of care dependency in the community;
2. Perform a person-centred assessment in primary care; and
3. Design a personalised care plan

across 6 intrinsic capacities — Locomotor Capacity, Vitality, Visual Capacity, Psychological Capacity, Cognitive Capacity and Hearing Capacity — essential for independent living. This support HealthierSG’s preventive care approach. 

Singapore’s pioneer batch of 40 ICOPE Assessors was certified in February 2023, and a research study was kickstarted to test the feasibility of community screening using ICOPE in Singapore and how the empowerment of health was possible through a personalised care plan. 

“In our discussion, we find the ICOPE easy to administer, and it could help family members to better determine if a health check is needed and which area to focus on as a start.”

“The ICOPE initiative presents a chance for older people to take charge of their own health with the support of their loved ones and community — giving us hope that Singaporeans can age longer and healthier in time to come.”

“A powerful forum where diverse minds come together to ignite new ideas, collaborate on solutions, and drive meaningful change for a common cause. It is a great opportunity for those passionate about improving the caregiving journey for seniors to come together and make a positive impact. We need more of such!"