A study conducted by SMU’s Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) in November last year, involving nearly 7,700 local residents aged 48 to 79 and their spouses, found that one in every seven older adults in Singapore is also a caregiver. The report is based on data from the Singapore Life Panel, a long-term study tracking 7,692 local residents aged between 48 and 79 and their partners. The data referenced was collected in November last year. Professor Paulin Straughan, Director, ROSA, pointed out that many older adults – who themselves need care –are also acting as caregivers. They often juggle full-time jobs while dealing with their own health challenges, yet the support systems in place have not kept pace. The report makes three key policy recommendations to help ease the burden on caregivers. Prof Straughan emphasised, “This study highlights the urgent need for continued improvements in workplace, financial, and healthcare policies to better protect caregivers.”
