SINGAPORE: A new volunteer programme called Silver Guardian has been launched as part of a national initiative to help seniors age actively.
The latest programme is the fourth prong of Age Well SG, with the other three being improvements to homes and living environments, improvement to transport facilities and expanding programmes for seniors to remain connected.
Age Well SG – which complements Healthier SG – was announced in August 2023 and launched in November of the same year.
The government will also set aside S$3.5 billion over the next decade for initiatives under Age Well SG, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech in February.
The latest initiative was announced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Friday (Apr 5) at the Presbyterian Community Services Esther Active Ageing Centre.
Seniors may experience a sense of loss post-retirement, Mr Ong said, adding that this void could be filled by volunteerism, even if it is not a full substitute for work.
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has recruited thousands of volunteers, known as Silver Generation Ambassadors. These volunteers currently engage seniors in their homes and community places by checking in on them and connecting them to relevant government schemes.
SILVER GUARDIAN PROGRAMME
The new volunteer programme launched on Friday – Silver Guardian – will complement the work done by Silver Generation Ambassadors, said Mr Ong.
The new Silver Guardian volunteers will help with the implementation of activities at Active Ageing Centres (AAC), such as befriending seniors, as well as organising and facilitating activities at the AACs.
