ETHOS Issue 20
January 2019
Last updated 30 July 2026
ETHOS Issue 20, January 2019
This issue looks at the future of ageing in Singapore, as it seeks to become a city in which citizens of all ages can feel involved, empowered and active.
Editorial
by Alvin Pang
Our elders are not the problem, nor should they be passive recipients of society's largesse. How can we ensure seniors remain involved, empowered and active?
Reimagining Productive Longevity
by Kok Ping Soon
By increasing seniors’ productive capacity, strengthening the ecoysystem functional capacity and changing the social narrative, we can turn ageing from a societal liability to a productive asset for the nation.
Lifelong Learning and Ageing: Evidence from Singapore
by Chia Ying, Sheng Yee Zher and Johnny Sung
While age and educational background are key factors influencing our ability to learn, a recent study suggests that enabling technologies and learning methods can help seniors to go further.
Humanising Technology for Older Adults
by Tan Tai Kiat
Technology can be of profound benefit to seniors and their supporters—but it has to be adaptable to individual needs and contexts to be truly useful.
Promoting Active Ageing through Virtual & Augmented Reality
by Jung Younbo
A Nanyang Technological University team is developing simulation tools to help seniors learn important skills at their own pace.
From Ageing to Augmented Longevity
by Hannah Chia
Even as governments around the world confront greying populations and their implications, advances in technology and medicine are extending lifespans and healthspans, challenging assumptions about what it means to age.
Age is a Number
by John Franklin Siregar
I enjoy a quality of life that is not burdening myself, not burdening my family, not burdening society, and by extension, not burdening the nation. In fact, I'm contributing. I would like to have this dream job as long as possible.
Transforming Community Care in 2030
by Nadine Chia and Melissa Khoo
Singapore is developing a networked community care system to meet the changing and varied needs of seniors in a rapidly ageing society.
Positive Ageing: How can we make it happen?
by Kalyani K. Mehta
Surveying current cross-sector efforts, a veteran gerontologist suggests ways to make Singapore an even more age-friendly city.
Living with Independence and Purpose
by Emi Kiyota
Ibasho founder Dr Emi Kiyota envisions a future where seniors enjoy a life of meaning and dignity—and make a difference in their communities.
Discover more ETHOS issues
Explore our ETHOS collection for more insights on public service and governance.