Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing societies in Asia. About 9% of the population are at least 65 years old. By 2030, one in five Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older. While there are plans to help the elderly lead comfortable and meaningful lives, one key area that needs to be looked into is the range and coverage of health-care services required to meet the demands of an ageing population and the changing disease profile.

The Singapore Medical Association’s (SMA) annual medical convention focuses on various health issues. The theme of this year’s convention is “Successful and Active Aging in the Community”. In conjunction with the medical symposium, SMA had also concurrently organised a symposium for the public in August. The public symposium was designed to help the elderly, their family members and care-givers understand and navigate the health system. It tackled various issues which included common surgeries in the elderly, holistic management of anxiety, depression and chronic insomnia in older persons and safe and effective prescribing for the older patient with multiple co-morbidities,

and cultivating good mental health in the golden years.