Forum: How should we measure if active ageing is working?
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The Forum letter, “Design active ageing around the lives seniors want to lead” (Aug 24), rightly argues that older people should not be treated as a single group. This raises a further question: How should we judge whether active ageing is succeeding?
Participation in programmes matters, but attendance tells only part of the story. Later life is rarely a steady journey. Retirement, bereavement, illness, caregiving, financial loss or cognitive decline can quickly change what a person is able or wishes to do.
A more meaningful test is whether people retain choice and know where to turn when circumstances change.
Someone who stops attending activities after losing a spouse may need human contact rather than another programme. An older person less confident with digital banking after a scam may need practical guidance and reassurance.
Active ageing centres can serve as neighbourhood connectors, linking seniors more easily to healthcare, financial services, employment, housing and community support. The goal is not for every organisation to do everything, but to make help easier to navigate.
We could assess active ageing by asking: Do seniors know where to seek help? Can they obtain it without being passed repeatedly between agencies? Do they retain a meaningful say in decisions affecting them?
Ageing well should ultimately mean more than staying busy. It should mean preserving agency, connection and dignity as life changes.
Lee Woei Shiuan
