Ageing Lecture Notes 2025 Term 2 Week 5 PDF

Ageing 2025 TERM 2 WEEK 5 LECTURE Overview Term 2 Topic Week 1 Skills: Do you love me? Essay question types/modality Week 2 Skills: Intro to Essay Week 3 Value & Importance Week 4 Topic: Family and Marriage Week 5 Topic: Family – Elderly and Generational Labels...

Ageing 2025 TERM 2 WEEK 5 LECTURE Overview Term 2 Topic Week 1 Skills: Do you love me? Essay question types/modality Week 2 Skills: Intro to Essay Week 3 Value & Importance Week 4 Topic: Family and Marriage Week 5 Topic: Family – Elderly and Generational Labels Week 6 Skills: Intro to AQ Week 7 Topic: Singapore Week 8 WA1 Week 9 Topic: Youth Week 10 Topic: Sports Overview 1. What about ageing ? 2. Issues concerning ageing 3. Tackling issues related to ageing Instead 4. Re-thinking ageing Learn and think with empathy NOT about filling in blanks Apply critical, adaptive Or just learning and inventive thinking content Critical thinking and personal response (empathy) p.3 ❖What do these measures and programmes tell you about Singapore? ❖Who would benefit most from these programmes and measures? ❖To what extent would these programmes and measures improve the lives of seniors living in Singapore? ❖Do you think you would enjoy ageing in Singapore? Why? Inventive thinking and personal response (metacognition) p.4 ❖What would be needed to significantly (fundamentally) alter our approach to ageing? ❖What are our fears when addressing issues related to ageing? ❖What informs your views on ageing? How have your views changed over time? ❖What do your views on ageing say about you? Conceptual thinking and personal response (metacognition) p.4 ❖How similar or different are the issues of ageing compared to other social issues? ❖How does understanding the issues of ageing help us address other (social) issues? ❖How should you approach an issue like ageing? The ‘A’ word stereotype or fair You are to role-play an old person. representation? What would you do to portray this person? ❖What informs your views on ageing? How have your views changed over time? Often more powerful / ▪ Societal/political narratives about ageing significant in ▪ Media portrayal of ageing shaping our views than ▪ Personal encounters information about the social group Tacit assumptions: Young / youth ➔ cool Seniors / older adults learning Gen Z lingo ➔ cool Tacit assumptions: Seniors / older adults doing youthful activities ➔ cool The ‘A’ word What word comes to mind when you think of ‘ageing’? What issues come to mind when you think of ‘ageing’? Is it ageing or aging? Ageing -> BrE Aging -> AmE  ‘ageing’ ➔ a shorthand for inadequacies? The ‘A’ word What word comes to mind when you think of ‘ageing’? ❑ dementia ❑ ‘boomer’ ❑ elderly ❑ IT ‘illiterate’ ❑ labour shortage ❑ poverty ❑ loneliness ❑ reserved seats ❑ Japan ❑ scams ❑ productivity ❑ slow ❑ retirement ❑ subsidies The ‘A’ word What word comes to mind when you think of ‘ageing’? ❑ fewer commitments ❑ longevity ❑ relaxed pace ❑ retirement ❑ time for self ❑ wisdom Making connections What issues come to mind when you think of ‘ageing’?  Did you know? About ageing True or false? a. Myths about ageing. i. Depression and loneliness are normal in older adults. ii. The older I get, the less sleep I need. iii. Older adults can’t learn new things. iv.It is inevitable that older people will get dementia. v. Older adults should take it easy and avoid exercise so they don’t get injured. vi. Memory loss is an inevitable part of ageing. vii. Only women need to worry about osteoporosis. Making connections What issues come to mind when you think of ‘ageing’? Economic: Dismal reality? ▪ shrinking labour force ▪ unsustainable pension fund ▪ healthcare subsidies causing fiscal strain and destabilising the economy ▪ lower productivity ▪ shrinking economy, economic decline ▪ burden on the young people (1 working adult supporting X older person) ▪ demographic time bomb But first… what is ageing? ❑ How old is old? ❑ What leads to the signs of ageing? ❑ Is ageing avoidable? But first… what is ageing? b. common points of reference UNHCR: An older person is defined by the United Nations as a person who is over 60 or 65 years years of age. However, families and communities often use other measures. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Ageing, an inevitable process, is commonly measured by chronological age and, as a convention, a person aged 65 years or more is often referred to as ‘elderly’. But first… what is ageing? ❑ At the biological level, ageing results from the impact of the accumulation of a wide variety of molecular and cellular damage over time. ❑ This leads to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity, a growing risk of disease and ultimately death. These changes are neither linear nor consistent, and they are only loosely associated with a person’s age in years. ❑ The diversity seen in older age is not random. Beyond biological changes, ageing is often associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing and the death of friends and partners. (WHO) Functional biomarkers Organs and tissues ❑ memory ❑ brain size ❑ decision reaction time ❑ blood ❑ verbal fluency ❑ muscle mass Physical ❑ blood pressure ❑ grip strength ❑ bone density ❑ highest audible pitch ❑ visual perception Cellular ❑ muscle movement time and coordination ❑ genomic instability ❑ lungs forced vital capacity and expiratory volume ❑ telomere shortening ❑ waist circumference/BMI ❑ epigenome methylation ❑ vibrotactile sensitivity (sense of touch) ❑ mitochondrial dysfunction ❑ walking speed, chair stand, standing balance ❑ stem cell exhaustion Chronological age vs biological age  Live forever? How far would you go to live forever - or even just slow down the aging process? Did you know…?  Issues Trends (global) Economic Concerns Trends (local) Political Concerns Social Concerns Trends (Global) ▪ While this shift in distribution of a country's population towards older ages – known as population ageing – started in high-income countries (for example in Japan 30% of the population is already over 60 years old), it is now low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing the greatest change. ▪ By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years will live in low- and middle-income countries. ▪ (How old will you be then? 45 (: Trends (Global) Key Facts from WHO ❖ All countries will face major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift ❖ In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries. ❖ The pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past. ❖ In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. ❖ Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Trends (Global) ❖ People worldwide are living longer. Today most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. ❖ Every country in the world is experiencing growth in both the size and the proportion of older persons in the population. ❖ By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. At this time, the share of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 1 billion to 1.4 billion. ❖ By 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion). The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million. Trends (Global) ▪ While this shift in distribution of a country's population towards older ages – known as population ageing – started in high-income countries (for example in Japan 30% of the population is already over 60 years old), it is now low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing the greatest change. ▪ By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years will live in low- and middle- income countries. (How old will you be then?) Trends (Local) ▪ By 2030, almost a quarter (around one in four citizens, or 23.8 per cent) of Singaporeans would be over 65. (Source: Government's National Population and Talent Division, 2022) ‘brain drain’ natural increase vs net migration Trends (Local) ▪ iii. In 2008, net immigration exceeded natural growth as a component of resident population growth. ▪ iv. Permanent migrants in working ages from 1990 will start to reach age 65 from the year 2030 and will further raise the numbers of elderly in the Singapore population. Economic concerns  Economic concerns shrinking labour force lower productivity shrinking economy, economic decline unsustainable pension fund healthcare subsidies causing fiscal strain and destabilising the economy burden on the young people (1 working adult supporting X older person) workplace discrimination issues Politicalconcerns lower voter turnout in areas with older voters; greater voice given to a smaller group of voters malapportionment – additional voice given to districts with older and more rural voters older voters [possibly] showing more concern for “welfare” issues Politicalconcerns need to prioritise/promote active ageing, lifelong learning and retirement savings legislation to protect seniors from age discrimination and abuse; update legislation on crimes committed by older adults Social concerns growing pool of socially isolated seniors growing pool of destitute seniors high prevalence of suicide in older adults rise in elder abuse cases increasing elderly arrest and conviction rates Social concerns familial and social tensions arising from financial responsibility (burden) and time spent taking care of seniors Social concerns gender disparity in ageing and caregiving; women are at a higher risk of facing isolation, financial challenges and lack of support as they grow older 73.4% of caregivers are women 1/3 of caregivers report clinically significant depressive symptoms informal primary caregivers care for and assist a friend or family member without pay Social concerns Social concerns Tackling the issues Tackling the issues Socio-economic measures provide opportunities for the elderly to remain in the workforce longer develop a diverse multigenerational workforce Tackling the issues Socio-economic measures o companies want to project a youthful image to consumers, employees and managers; they do not wish to appear dated, irrelevant, and feeble Tackling the issues Political / governmental response ▪ raise the legal age of retirement Tackling the issue Tackling the issues develop policies and programmes that support older adults in the workforce, encourage savings and retirement planning, and promote intergenerational equity Tackling the issues address ageism and stigma towards older adults in an ageing society Tackling the issues Challenges ▪ businesses/employers welcome anti-discrimination law but worry that disgruntled workers may abuse it Tackling the issues ▪ Socio-technological response ▪developing new technologies (assistive technologies) and care models that allow older adults to age in place, promoting healthy ageing initiatives, and supporting the training and education of healthcare professionals Tackling the issue Palliative care Tackling the issues Age in place Tackling the issues Assistive technologies Tackling the issue Tackling the issues Tackling the issue Rethinking ageing A silver lining?  Rethinking ageing A silver lining? Is the situation getting worse or better?  Rethinking ageing A silver lining? Is the situation getting worse or better? Is something being done? Is enough being done?  Highest level of attention (governmental, international) A silver lining? Concerted effort Global approach / attention Sharing of good practices The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA)(2002) a global Plan of Action "to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the twenty-first century and to promote the development of a society for all ages" The plan, commonly known as MIPAA, is a comprehensive list of commitments for United Nations Member States the world over, and focuses on three priority directions: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments Reviewed periodically since; 2022 review: o Promoting active and healthy ageing throughout life o Ensuring access to long term care and support for carers and families o Mainstreaming ageing to advance a society for all ages A silver lining? Singapore ▪ has one of the highest per capita GDP in the world ▪ uninterrupted rule by the ruling party ▪ often touted for good governance ▪ hardworking population ▪ not known to be confrontational in politics A silver lining? “Essentially, we are pre-funding the rising healthcare expenditure by increasing GST now, instead of waiting to do so in the future, because if we wait, we will end up imposing a heavier burden on our future selves and our children” A silver lining? Singapore ▪ has one of the highest per capita GDP in the world ▪ uninterrupted rule by the ruling party ▪ often touted for good governance ▪ hardworking population ▪ not known to be confrontational in politics A silver lining? “Our population is not just ageing, but ageing rapidly. In 2010, about 1 in 10 Singaporeans were aged 65 and above. A decade later, in 2020, it has risen to about 1 in 6. By 2030, another 10 years later, it would be almost 1 in 4 Singaporeans over 65.” A silver lining? A silver lining? A silver lining? ❖ Pioneer Generation Package (PGP), 2014 ❖ Merdeka Generation Package, 2019 ❖ PM’s 2023 National Day Rally ❖ “young seniors” ❖ Majulah Package ❖ 2023 Action Plan for Successful Aging ❖ Budget 2024  Relief measures - Medical A silver lining? subsidies and CPF account(s) top-ups, for the lower income ❖ Pioneer Generation Package (PGP), 2014 Healthy lifestyle – ❖ Merdeka Generation Package, 2019 community health services; Active Ageing Centres; ❖ PM’s 2023 National Day Rally Therapeutic Gardens; Active ❖ “young seniors” Silver Hub; recruitment of seniors for voluntary work ❖ Majulah Package ❖ 2023 Action Plan for Successful Aging Extending work life – Employment Credit; ❖ Budget 2024 National Silver Academy; Senior Go Digital programme Taking A Step Back Zoom In, Zoom Out Personally vested ❖ What do these measures and programmes tell you about Singapore? ❖ Who would benefit most from these programmes and measures? ❖ To what extent would these programmes and measures improve the lives of seniors living in Singapore? ❖ Do you think you would enjoy ageing in Singapore? Why? Taking A Step Back Zoom In, Zoom Out ❖ “band-aid” ? ❖ how far do the top-ups go? ❖ differentiated enough? ❖ how different would life be for the seniors with these measure? Taking A Step Back Zoom In, Zoom Out Personally vested ❖ What would be needed to significantly (fundamentally) alter our approach to ageing? ❖ What are our fears when addressing issues related to ageing? ❖ What informs your views on ageing? How have your views changed over time? ❖ What do your views on ageing say about you? Taking A Step Back Pushing the boundaries ❖ is financial relief and amenities the solutions to the problem? ❖ is there a fear that the government will take on too much? ❖ is taking a certain view frowned upon? Taking A Step Back Zoom In, Zoom Out Personally vested ❖ How similar or different are the issues of ageing compared to other social issues? ❖ How does understanding the issues of ageing help us address other (social) issues? ❖ How should you approach an issue like ageing?  Draw lines to show how these Economic Healthcare areas are growth spending connected Productivity Infrastructure Life-long Technology learning and training Public Retirement age services Elder care Pay structure (at home) Legislation – Active ageing discrimination programmes  Economic Retirement age growth Pay structure Productivity Legislation – discrimination Life-long Technology learning and training Public Elder care services Healthcare (at home) spending Active ageing Infrastructure programmes  Economic Retirement age growth Pay structure Productivity Legislation – discrimination Life-long Technology learning and public training morale Public Elder care services Healthcare (at home) spending Active ageing Infrastructure programmes Dark clouds or silver lining? Dark clouds or silver lining? Dark clouds or silver lining? ❑ A future of competition pitting seniors against the ‘young’? ❑ A kinder, gentler future where having significant numbers of seniors changes the tone and texture of society? ❑ An exciting time and place in history where technological innovations answer the human quest of pushing the limits of human mortality?