A grassroots initiative that started by addressing the legal concerns of the elderly residents living in Paya Lebar is expanding by providing medical screenings and health talks to focus on their health needs.
The change is focused on input from residents and knowing their needs and concerns, which Mr Alex Yeo said is a key part of his outreach strategy as an opposition-held Aljunied GRC grassroots advisor.
“When we find out that health is a top priority for them, then we will have measures such as health and wellness services that tackle this,” he told the Straits Times on Sunday (Dec 29) at the launch of the new program.
In March 2017, the first phase of the plan-explaining and drafting the Lasting Attorney’s Power (LPA) and Wills-started.
LPA is a legal document that requires applicants to voluntarily nominate a trusted person if they become mentally disabled to make key decisions on their behalf.
Mr Yeo, who is a lawyer, has benefited 510 residents and their families from the pro bono initiative.
Phases two and three will include medical screenings, awareness-raising through educational talks, and health monitoring in collaboration with partners like The Good Life Medical Center. The primary focus is on the health of the brain and bone.
In consultation with residents, the concept of a comprehensive system addressing both the legal and healthcare needs of the elderly was mooted, Mr Yeo said, pointing out that 26% of those residing in Paya Lebar are aged 60 years and older.
We are faced with health problems including dementia and osteoporosis.
He said: “We want residents not only to live a good life today but also to be able to lead healthier lives in their silver years and to avoid or delay the onset of diseases that come with the ageing process.” The main goal is to improve the quality of our lives as we age so that we can all enjoy our silver years with family and friends.
Former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng, the special advisor to the chairman of the management board of the People’s Association, attended the event.
After 31 years in politics, the former labour chief retired in 2011 and helped the PAP team at the 2015 elections.
The PAP team, consisting of veteran MP Yeo Guat Kwang, Mr Victor Lye, Mr Chua Eng Leong, Mr Shamsul Kamar and Mr Murali Pillai, lost to the Workers ‘ Party (WP) even though it managed to narrow the margin by 49.05 per cent of the 2015 vote, which is higher than 45.28 per cent in 2011.
