SINGAPORE - With about one in five Singaporeans aged over 65 by 2030, and the current life expectancy at 82.5 years old, how can we age successfully?

Around 65 members of the Indian community met on Saturday morning to discuss this at the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) building at Beatty Road.

One participant, Mr Arifeen Kamaluddin, a 40 year-old manager, said more help should be extended out by the Government to the elderly who have children with special needs. Another participant, Madam Ratnam Periowsamy, 78, a retired teacher, said there should be more continuous learning courses for seniors, such as computer classes, at Community Centres.

Senior Minister of State for Education and Law Indranee Rajah, who hosted the discussion, said the issues raised by participants were similar to those canvassed from other Singaporeans. "Healthcare issues to do with aging, looking after the elderly at home, making sure they have access to community care", were among the common themes participants brought up, she said.

Respective ministries will study ideas gathered from the focus group discussions organised by the Ministry of Health, and develop specific programmes.

Singaporeans interested in participating in the development of the Action Plan for Successful Aging can provide feedback and suggestions by e-mailing the Ministry of Health at successful(underscore)ageing@moh.gov.sg