PAP Senior’s Group pilots training for branch volunteers to identify and support isolated seniors

People's Action Party Seniors Group (PAPSG) volunteers in Singapore will undergo training to identify and support socially isolated seniors in nine neighbourhoods. The one-year pilot aims to address the growing concern of social isolation among seniors as the nation becomes a super-aged society, with 21.4% of its population aged 65 and older as of June 2026.

PAPSG chairman Tan See Leng, also Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), highlighted the issue during an event at Furama Riverfront to mark International Day of Older Persons. The volunteers will look out for seniors in need through regular house visits, walkabouts, and Meet-the-People Sessions, and connect them to existing community resources such as Active Ageing Centres, healthcare providers, and social services.

PAPSG vice-chairman Dinesh Vasu Dash explained that volunteers will receive baseline training in befriending and mental health awareness, with further training tailored to their experiences during the pilot. He emphasized that the initiative will complement existing efforts, such as Silver Generation Ambassadors, and leverage the branches' existing strengths for sustainability.

Rahayu Mahzam, another PAPSG vice-chairman and Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information, noted that volunteers can act as a bridge to professional services for seniors with mental health needs. To facilitate the initiative, PAPSG created a customisable resource template, which branches can tailor with local information and distribute to seniors.

The template includes national helplines, Meet-the-People Session details, and community services, as well as space for seniors to list emergency contacts.