ARISE-ing to the challenge of eldercare

Singapore’s ageing population will lead to an estimated 83,000 elderly persons living alone by 2030. It is crucial that seniors take ownership of their health to live actively and independently in the community.

NTU and social service agency Lions Befrienders have partnered to leverage NTU’s expertise in active ageing research and continuing education to develop coaching programmes and courses that help improve and transform the lives of seniors in Singapore.

Over 600 staff and volunteers from Lions Befrienders will be trained in health coaching under this new collaboration with NTU.

Leading NTU’s efforts in this training and research partnership is its Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education (ARISE). This collaboration, the first of its kind between ARISE and the social service sector, aims to build a pool of trained health coaches within the agency who will be equipped to empower and work with seniors to co-create solutions and guide them towards living a healthier life in various aspects such as nutrition, physical fitness, relationships, and finding purpose in life.  

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today to establish a training programme for elderly health coaching, and the research and co-development of specially tailored short courses for the elderly. The signing was witnessed by Ms Ng Ling Ling, Member of Parliament for Ang Mio Kio GRC.