Jurong Spring brings together people with the tools to help tackle population aging and inequality

Singapore – By engaging seniors in their communities and bringing them together with the means to donate food and groceries to low-income households, Jurong Spring is tackling the ‘silver tsunami’ and income inequality.

On Sunday, at the Jurong Springs Community Club, residents from low-income families lined up with shopping carts to collect rice, instant noodles, oil, milo and fresh vegetables. Volunteers provide chairs for people in line to sit and chat while they wait their turn.

Among the beneficiaries was Madam Theo Kim Ki-woo, 76, who was even able to carry groceries home with the help of volunteers.

The retired janitor lives alone because her husband is in a nursing home, but says, “After getting food from the volunteers, I don’t have to shop. Coffee, bread, rice, everything I need.” It is very good because it is complete.. Also, they always help me carry my luggage home.”

Jurong GRC MP Sean Huang said most of the food donations came from residents of private and landed homes on the east side of the constituency, near Chun Ting Road and Beauty World. rice field.

“They are so encouraged and enthusiastic to do more. By actually giving, not just receiving, they get more satisfaction and say they are part of the community. You can,” he added.

“We are going through a silver tsunami right now. We are seeing more and more seniors needing more help and needing more care. is only part of the equation, but how can we revitalize entire communities to collectively care for the elderly?”

The proportion of citizens aged 65 and over has increased from 11.1% in 2012 to 18.4% in 2022. Annual Population Report released in September. In 2021 it will be 17.6%. By 2030, about one in four citizens, or 23.8%, will be over the age of 65.

Mr. Huang welcomed Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Mohammad Maliki Osman for a tour of Jurong Spring as part of his ministerial community visit on Sunday.

The visit resumed last month after a two-year hiatus when Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited Yio Chu Kang. He said the visit will be led by fourth-generation ministers in his PAP leadership and will include bringing the Forward Singapore initiative to residents.

Forward Singapore, which launched in June, is a government campaign asking Singaporeans to provide ideas for shaping and strengthening the country’s social pact.

As part of Sunday’s visit, Dr. Maliki toured Block 505 Jurong West Street 52 Market and Food Centre, followed by Jurong Springs Community Club. The club featured activities for residents such as bingo for seniors, group fitness dances, and a showcase of healthy living.

Huang said the bingo-like activity, which began virtually during the pandemic, aims to encourage seniors living alone to come out of their apartments, interact with volunteers and neighbors, and avoid isolation.

The healthy living showcase featured Diabetes Singapore. The Jurong Springs Community Health Post, where nurses and staff from the National University Health System community provide healthcare support to residents. and the wellness social enterprise Fullhealth.