Elderly Challenge - Observation 4

I found out that many signs in shopping malls are very small and not eye-catching. Hence, the elderly would have problems finding their way around.

From about age 40 onwards, some people would start to observe some form of decline in their sight. Although some seek the aid of spectacles, not all of them adjust to it well and prefer not to adapt to it. Hence, we have to take that into consideration so as to make the community a more elderly friendly place. The words on the signs should contrast with the background to create a 'flashing' look, and catch the eye of the elderly easily. Besides that, it should also be enlarged so that the elderly can read with greater ease.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

I found out that many senior citizens shun from group activities due to the misconception, and sometimes reality, of them being to strenuous.

Most elderly people would have retired and would have little to do at home. Some of them want to engage in a new activity to pass time but it is sometimes difficult to due to lack of strength and stamina or limited knowledge. With so much time and nothing to do, the person can find life boring and depressing. Hence, we should plan more activities specially catered for the elderly. These activities should not be too strenuous and the schedule for such events should not be so hectic. The activities should not involve vigorous physical involvement such as competitive swimming and should be carried out at a smooth and comfortable pace.

SST_ADMT_ElderlyChallenge_S1-01_02_Khit Sue Lun.skp

-There are railings for the elderly to hold on while walking(for support).

-There are chairs around the room so that the elderly can sit down whenever she/he feels dizzy or unwell.

-There is a television for entertainment.

-The sofa is L-shaped so that the elderly will be able to lie down to watch the television programs. It might be more comfortable for them.

-The bed is low and the elderly would not have difficulties going on it.

-At times of need, the elderly can sit on the chair next to the wardrobe while choosing what clothes to wear or while cleaning up the wardrobe.

-All sharp edges will be padded to avoid injuries.

Holiday Homework - Part 1 Understanding the Elderly Challenge

Explain in your own words, the FOUR key recommendations of the report.

-Housing for seniors

Singapore will be fully catered for the elderly, introducing infrastructures to support them morally and live comfortably with the community and their family. There will be a wide variety of housing types that are suitable for the elderly so as to satisfy each and everyone needs and preferences. These would be inclusive of caring services to protect the elderly mentally and physically. Singapore should be the ideal place for the old and young.

-Accessibility for seniors

Singapore will be a haven for the elderly, one that allows them to connect and bond with the community and having more active lives. Homes and public places will be shaped for the use of the elderly. This will allow the elderly to move about safely, happily and conveniently throughout the island.

-Caring for seniors

The elderly in need of healthcare will be exposed to a variety of services specially designed for their needs. It will ensure the quality of life the elderly have. These services will be effective, priced sensibly and easily accessible to the elderly in the community.

-Opportunities for seniors

The elderly will be involved in the development of the community and will have close relationships with their closed ones. They should be healthy and living a happy and meaningful life. All Singaporeans should develop a good attitude towards the elderly and getting older.

State ONE way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly

-Under the Main Upgrading Project (MUP), the Housing Development Board (HDB) upgrades sold flats with elder-friendly features such as grab- bars in the bathroom / toilet and non-slip floor tiles.

State TWO ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable

-The Government should top-up Medisave accounts of less well off Singaporeans when there are budgetary surpluses to ensure that seniors have the means to afford healthcare services.

-The Government should set up a Caregiver Centre to support families in care-giving through provision of information resources and programmes

After reading the CAI report, what do you are the THREE things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges

-I can develop ideas for devices to help the elderly carry out daily activities in their lives with greater ease. Besides that, I can also generate ideas for activities they can participate in and plan them. This will help them to lead a healthier life. I can also come out with some ideas for the design of the elderly-friendly houses which will help them in terms of safety and convenience.

-I can visit the elderly at old folks’ homes to perhaps perform for them or talk and help them with their daily activities. This would provide moral support for them and conjure a smile on their faces.

-I can help to raise funds to support old folks’ homes so as to help them upgrade their facilities and provide a better environment for the elderly to live in.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

As we grow older, changes take place in our heart vessels, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease and hypertension. The movement of the person is also slowed down. This causes a slight delay in response to stimulus.

Hence, an older person might take a longer time to complete daily activities, for example crossing the road. Action has been taken to deal with this problem. For example, some traffic lights are installed with a device, whereby the crossing time will be stretched when a senior citizen card is tapped on the device attached to it.

However, this can only be spotted in some places. I feel that this solution should be implemented throughout the island. The device should be attached to every traffic light to fight away the difficulties the elderly are facing.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

Osteoporosis, which is a form of severe bone degeneration, is common among elderly women. Arthritis is also a common problem. Even a small fall can result in complications such as hip fracture or paralysis. Some people are afraid to go out after such an experience. They have harboured a fear and do not want to take the risk of injuring themselves again. Hence, we will have to change public places, such as the void decks, shopping malls and parks, to more elderly-friendly ones.

The floors at the void deck is usually very slippery when it rains. This increases the risk of the elderly falling down, We should include devices that would ensure their safety, such as non-slip floors to prevent them from falling down. This would help them to go about with more confidence and at the same time, make sure that they are safe.