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Volunteer to help provide social support to seniors

I refer to the report “Stronger social support ‘needed to boost health of lower-income elderly’” (April 1) and agree that seniors involved in social networks tend to be healthier.

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Tan Meng, Chairman, Nee Soon East Active Ageing Committee

I refer to the report “Stronger social support ‘needed to boost health of lower-income elderly’” (April 1) and agree that seniors involved in social networks tend to be healthier.

Indeed, a key component of the People’s Association Wellness Programme is to get seniors involved in interest groups so that they can help and look out for one another as well as share their joys and sorrows.

They encourage one another to stay active and healthy by going for regular health screenings, seeing the doctor for treatments and exercising.

But despite the many programmes and outreach efforts by grassroots volunteers, there are seniors who do not leave their homes. It is important that we reach out to them, too.

Many community clubs and community centres have befriending programmes to reach out to socially isolated seniors. In Nee Soon East, one of our key thrusts is to make regular home visits to befriend vulnerable seniors, understand their needs and provide the necessary assistance.

As healthcare is uppermost in the minds of many seniors, our volunteers would explain the various government schemes available, including the Pioneer Generation Package, and share health advisories, such as how to protect themselves against dengue and the haze.

We also encourage seniors to participate in wellness activities and social interest groups.

Beyond the grassroots network, our volunteers work with partners such as religious organisations, hospitals and voluntary welfare organisations to expand our outreach and provide social support to vulnerable seniors.

In Nee Soon East, we partner these organisations by encouraging their elderly members to participate in our health screenings and brisk-walking groups so they keep active, healthy and happy.

Many community volunteers have achieved a deep sense of fulfilment in seeing how they have helped others. Therefore, I encourage more residents to join us in making a difference to the lives of seniors and neighbours.

To find out more, please visit your nearest community club or http://www.pa.gov.sg.

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