All Blog Posts

  1. Depression | Episode 2 of Elderly's Common Mental Health Issues

    What is Depression?

    Depression is a mood disorder characterized by low mood, or a persistent feeling of sadness and emptiness. It affects daily life due to the loss of interest in everyday activities. While it is common to feel sad or listless occasionally, depression is usually diagnosed when a low mood is felt most of the time for at least two weeks. It is a common disorder, affecting about 8.7% of the Singapore population in 2020.

    Some of the risk factors for depression include social isolation, genes, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Being diagnosed with major medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, and even chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension

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  2. Dementia | Episode 1 of Elderly's Common Mental Health Issues

    Mental health problems are common in seniors but they often go overlooked. Some caregivers are able to detect when an older adult may be struggling with a mental health disorder while others may believe it's a normal part of aging.

    Seniors who experience cognitive decline, reduced mobility, social isolation, and physical health problems are more likely to have mental illnesses. A sudden change in their behaviors shouldn't be dismissed or considered normal.

    Mental health issues can be treated in older adults. However, family members or caregivers should keep an eye out and realize when something is wrong. In this article, we'll discuss the elderly's common mental health issues and how to recognize the symptoms. 

     

    Introduction to the mental health issues faced by the elderly

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of adults

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  3. Financial Schemes in Singapore for Elderly

    The Singapore government has formulated various schemes for seniors who need financial help. These schemes can help to cover things like basic needs, assistive devices, home healthcare items, medical care, transportation, and more.

    As a senior in Singapore, you should make use of schemes that provide assistance with care or daily expenses. For instance, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) offers medical assistance for common ailments like flu, fever, coughs, and even dental issues.

    To be eligible for most of these subsidies, you have to be a Singaporean citizen or a Permanent Resident who meets their admission criteria. Below are some helpful financial schemes that the Singapore government has put in place for you.  

     

    1.   The Silver Support Scheme

    The Silver

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  4. Increasing Physical Activity for Seniors

    Everyone ought to engage in regular physical activity, regardless of age or size. But older adults can greatly improve their health and overall wellbeing through exercise. It helps to prevent most of the health issues that comes with old age.

    Physical activity helps to keep seniors fit so they can maintain their independence and perform everyday tasks by themselves. They do not have to engage in strenuous physical activity, rather incorporate simple exercises into their routine.

    Seniors are expected to engage in a minimum of 150 minutes (30 minutes a day, 5 days in a week) of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. However, those with chronic illnesses should consult their doctor and ascertain the appropriate amount of physical activity.

     

    Benefits of Exercises for Seniors

    Regular physical activity and exercise should be part of every senior's routine. It helps to maintain the body, improve mental health and also maintain

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  5. Lifelong Learning - Skills Seniors Can Take in Singapore

    As seniors age, many of them become bored and unmotivated so they would need new and exciting activities to keep them busy. You can keep your seniors engaged by encouraging them to pick a new skill. Learning helps to fight loneliness and keep things interesting.

    Seniors who take physical or online classes would be able to make friends and communicate with others. If it's hands-on training, they'll get to exercise their bodies as they move from their house to the school. Regular exercise helps to give them a sense of well-being.

    But most importantly, learning improves the memory of seniors. It helps to sharpen their brain and keep it active. Seniors who pick up new skills also reduce the risk of having mental health issues. New activities help to eliminate worry, stress, and depression in senior adults.

     

    Skills and Courses for Seniors in Singapore

    Seniors in Singapore are encouraged to develop and maintain their functional abilities. Old age

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  6. Nutritional Needs of Older Adults

    Older adults need to eat the right types of food. It ensures good health and helps them stay active. Below are certain nutrients that most seniors need.

    Calcium

    Calcium helps to strengthen bones and teeth. It's one of the most important nutrients for seniors. Some sources of calcium are cheese, yoghurt, low-fat milk, canned fish, leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, and fortified plant-based beverages.

    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D also helps with bones and muscles. The sun gives the best vitamin D. Seniors can spend a few minutes each day getting some sunlight. Other sources include eggs, salmon, fortified foods, liver, whole milk, sardines, or supplements.

    Dietary Fibre

    Fibre-rich foods help to reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other illnesses. Good sources of dietary fibre include cereals, lentils, whole-grain bread, beans peas, whole fruits, and vegetables.

    Vitamin B12

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