Greying Singapore embraces technology to face health challenges

SINGAPORE (Dec 21): Singapore is embracing technology and focusing more on personal health, as an expected doubling of seniors over the next two decades forces the nation to confront politically sensitive decisions on financing and immigration.

While Singapore’s ageing population is something to celebrate in reflecting longevity, it’s also forcing the city state to become more nimble in how it approaches the challenges, Chee Hong Tat, senior minister of state for health and communications and information, said in an interview Tuesday.

“You need to help people to live healthier, more active lives and reduce the demand for healthcare, but recognise that ageing is unavoidable,” said Chee, who noted that the number of patients with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer is set to rise in Singapore. “In healthcare, it’s a double-whammy for us because your demand is going up but your supply of healthcare workers is actually potentially going down because the pool is reducing.”

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