Ageing Mental Wellbeing and Prevention for Dementia - Active Ageing in Singapore

 

The rapidly rising proportion of elder adults in our society poses significant challenges in healthcare, finance, housing and employment. Increased longevity has led to dementia being one of the most pressing medical and social issues of our time. Successful ageing is multi-dimensional and encompasses the avoidance of disease and disability, maintenance of high physical and cognitive functions, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities.

In response to that, one of Mind Science Centre’s research focus aims to generate interventions that can be translated to dementia prevention and active ageing programmes for seniors.

Jurong Ageing Study (JAS)

The Jurong Ageing Study (JAS) is a 10-year study involving over 1000 older adults aged 60 and above living around Jurong Point Mall. It aims to examine ways to prevent and alleviate symptoms of depression and dementia, an uprising problem due to the world’s greying population.

The study looks at how the elderly are influenced by genetic, biological, physical, social, and environmental factors. Researchers examine whether physical, social and educational programmes such as mindfulness practice, music reminiscence, art therapy, choral singing and gardening can improve cognitive, emotional and functional well-being in the elderly.

Community Health Intergenerational (CHI) Study

Our conversations with the seniors involved in JAS found that most prefer to age in their own homes as compared to geriatric centres. The increasing interest in Ageing-in-place led to the start of a new research project on community-dwelling seniors.

This study uses a multi-disciplinary approach to gather comprehensive biological, psychological, and social health profiles of older adults living in public housing estates. The study aims to:

•           Investigate the concept of ageing in place by examining the resiliency and vulnerability factors of the ageing process.

•           Examine intergenerational bonding and community support.

Singapore Elderly Resilience Scale (SOARS)

Principal Investigator (PI): A/Prof Ng Tze Pin

The SOARS study aims to better understand the concept and definition of resilience. Subsequently, the study aims to develop and validate a resilience scale for Singaporean older adults that are both universally valid and culturally sensitive.

 

 To fully capture the various aspects of resilience in Singaporean elderly, there is a need to develop a resilience scale that reflects more domains relevant to the culture and context of Singapore. Above measuring resilience, this scale will also be a useful tool in investigating the relationships between resilience, health, cognitive and social functioning-related status.

More information on SOARS will be coming up soon.