SUSS and SG Assist Launch Age+ Living Lab to Promote Ageing in Place
Singapore, 15 March 2024 - The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and SG Assist today launched the Age+ Living Lab, an initiative which aims to promote ageing in place through the use of gerontechnology and assistive technology. The opening ceremony was officiated by guest-of-honour Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.
Spearheaded by SUSS, in partnership with SG Assist and Nee Soon South Constituency and supported by The Ngee Ann Kongsi, the Age+ Living Lab is designed to simulate a typical and authentic home environment equipped with innovative products and solutions tailored to the needs of seniors.
It will also be a platform for experiential learning activities and tours, allowing seniors, caregivers and the public to explore and gain a deeper understanding of assistive products. The displays in this living lab will continue to be refreshed regularly.
.jpg?sfvrsn=7cdddb79_3 "Age+ Living Lab (1)")
Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration (4th from left) was the guest-of-honour for the launch of the Age+ Living Lab. (From left: Mr Greg Tan, Co-Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer, SG Assist; Mr Lie Kee Pong, Vice-President, The Ngee Ann Kongsi; Ms Carrie Tan, Grassroots Adviser, Nee Soon South; Minister Lee; Professor Robbie Goh, Provost, SUSS; Mdm Leanne Yu Wen Chuan, GeronTech Senior Ambassador; Mr Lourdsamy Dass, GeronTech Senior Ambassador)
The Age+ Living Lab was created through the combined efforts of caregivers, seniors, SG Assist as well as staff and students from SUSS’ Master of Gerontology programme. Situated within the premises of SG Assist’s Caregiver Resource Centre1 in Yishun, this is the first community-based gerontechnology living lab in Singapore. It is conveniently located in Singapore’s first dementia-friendly estate2 , offering a unique opportunity to experience inclusive and age-friendly design at both the individual housing and community levels.
It will also serve as a community space where seniors, caregivers, partners, and solution providers can share knowledge and work together to co-create innovative solutions for the evolving needs of our ageing population.
.jpg?sfvrsn=2b452b0f_3 "Age+ Living Lab (2)")
SG Assist staff Mr Brendan Seah (1st from left) demonstrates the use of a walking cane holder to seniors visiting the Age+ Living Lab, which is designed to simulate a typical and authentic home environment equipped with innovative products and solutions tailored to the needs of seniors.
Addressing the needs of our ageing population
The launch of the Age+ Living Lab reflects SUSS’ commitment to supporting national initiatives such as Age Well SG and the 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing.
According to the Ministry of Health3, by 2030:
- An estimated 1 in 4 Singapore citizens will be aged 65.
- An estimated 83,000 seniors will live alone.
- About 100,000 seniors will have at least mild disability (requiring assistance with at least 1 activity of daily living).
Furthermore, the World Health Organization emphasises the importance of living in environments that support and maintain one’s intrinsic capacity and functional ability for healthy ageing. The Age+ Living Lab is thus designed to address these essential components.
By collaborating with various agencies, organisations, and companies, SUSS aims to reach out to 800 to 1,000 seniors in this sandbox pilot by 2026 through guided, 1-hour long experiential learning tours led by trained GeronTech Senior Ambassadors (GTA), as well as through workshops and roadshows. The public can register for the experiential learning tours here: https://www.suss.edu.sg/livinglab.
Notably, the inaugural batch of 24 GTAs, who are leading these tours, underwent SUSS’ GeronTech Ambassador course, developed in partnership with SG Assist. This course equips seniors to become GTAs, empowering them to support SUSS’ community partners in adopting gerontechnology and encouraging technology use among seniors.
SUSS Provost Professor Robbie Goh said: “The launch of the Age+ Living Lab is timely as our society approaches ‘super-aged’ status. Our partnership with SG Assist showcases our commitment to empowering seniors and caregivers. I am grateful for the opportunity to leverage SUSS’ expertise in gerontology for this important initiative, promising a meaningful impact on the community. We look forward to collaborating with more like-minded community partners to establish similar initiatives around Singapore, ensuring our seniors have the support and resources they need to age gracefully and independently.”
SG Assist Co-founder and Chief Empathy Officer Mr Adrian Tan said: “As we age, our health needs may shift. The Age+ Living Lab offers a vital space for caregivers and seniors to openly discuss their concerns and needs, providing education and practical solutions. We are thankful to SUSS and Nee Soon South for partnering with our Caregiver Resource Centre, empowering both caregivers and seniors to understand and utilise assistive technology effectively. These practical solutions are essential for enabling us to age confidently in place.”
1 The Caregiver Resource Centre was first
revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in November 2022 and began operations in February 2023.
2 https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2022/09/dementia-neighbourhoods-singapore/index.html3 https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/action-plan/2023-action-plan.pdf