Thursday, September 23, 2010

Meeting the Needs of the Elderly

The growing aging population in Singapore has opened up many opportunities for companies that cater to the needs of the elderly, civil societies, industries and establishments to look into meeting and serving the needs of the elderly.

The government is also actively rolling out plans and initiatives to help meet the need of our senior citizens. They are to be commended for all that has been achieved. They continue to improve on the existing infrastructure, facilities and amenities.

Recently, while crossing the road near Ang Mo Kio, I saw a special device at the crossing. When a senior citizen (people age 60 and above) taps his card on it, the crossing time will be extended so that this allows the elderly to have sufficient time to cross over. This is a wonderful and thoughtful.

I have aged parents and I am fully aware of the limitations and challenges the elderly people face on a daily basis. Recently, I witness a scary incident where an elderly woman almost fell off the bus while alighting because the bus driver did not drive near the curb. Most elderly people have knee problems and the distance from the step of the bus to the road is hard to reach.

As we continue to grow as a striving country, we want to serve the needs of all people not forgetting the elderly. Without their sacrifice and labour, we will not be where we are today.

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