Singapore, a tiny city-state in southeast Asia, is one of the most planful countries on earth, using every resource to maximum advantage. Since its founding in 1965, its government has worked to make the most of its strategic location, tropical climate and people resources. With a population of 5.3 million, Singapore has the 3rd highest per capital GDP and ranks 5th highest on the Human Development Index, despite being smaller than New York City.
Acknowledging its rapidly aging population – – by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be 65 or older – – Singapore is investing heavily in its Action Plan for Successful Ageing. Based on expert and citizen input, the Action Plan identified ten key domains: employment, learning, volunteerism, health, social inclusion, services for the elderly, housing, transport, public spaces and research.
Encore.org is pleased to share information and collaborate with a number of Singapore leaders in aging, including Jackie Wong of the Temasek Foundation (a major funder of the initiative); nonprofit sector leads National Volunteer and Philanthropy Center CEO Melissa Kwee and Winifred Loh, Director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership; and Ping Soon Kok, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Manpower (developing work opportunities for older adults).
Published: November 13, 2017