Govt must constantly innovate to meet challenges of ageing population: Gan
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The Republic is the fastest ageing country in Asia and one of the biggest impacts of the ageing population will be on healthcare, said Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong this evening (Feb 10).
Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting on Universal Health Coverage’s panel discussion on challenges for ageing and fiscal sustainability, Mr Gan said studies have shown that elderly persons are about four times more likely to be hospitalised than younger Singaporeans.
“They are also likely to stay longer once hospitalised,” said Mr Gan. “This will have tremendous impact on overall healthcare demand in future”.
By 2030, one in five Singaporean residents will be 65 years old and above, said Mr Gan. “All things being equal, an ageing population means that we have a shirking workforce,” he added.
By 2030, there will only be 2.1 working age citizens for each citizen aged 65 and older, down from six today, said Mr Gan.
Mr Gan added that almost one in 10 people globally are above 60 years old today. By 2050, this figure will double to one in five. “In absolute numbers, we will see a tripling of the number of elderly across the world,” he added.
Mr Gan pointed that the outcome of across ageing need not be a negative one.
“Whether we can continue to be vibrant and successful as a nation will depend on whether we can translate these additional years of life into longer healthy years, as well as longer productive years,” he added.
To ensure a future which has a higher demand for aged care services but a smaller workforce, Mr Gan said the government has to constantly innovate and improve labour productivity in the delivery of aged care services.
To turn the challenge around, the Government needs a comprehensive approach such as preparing Singaporeans for successful ageing, he added.
