Lianhe Wanbao reporter approached an elderly man in his 70s to find out why he sits at the void deck alone for the entire day all the time.

Elderly man at void deck

The reporter would see the elderly man in the morning when she leaves for work, and then again in the evening when she returns.

He has been doing this for years.

Curious, she decided to ask him about his life one day.

"Why do you sit here every day?" she asked. "Do you have any family or friends?"

The elderly man explained that he sits at the void deck every day because someone would be able to assist him if he ever suffered a stroke.

Several years back, he suffered a minor stroke and passed out at home. Fortunately, he was discovered by a neighbour who sent him to the hospital.

The incident was terrifying, he said. And that is also the reason why he stays at the void deck: To avoid being alone in the house in the event something happens.

Used to being alone

While others are able to retire comfortably, the elderly man said that he is not well-off.

And being alone for most of the day, he confessed that it took a while to get used to the solitude.

The elderly man has few friends. His friends are either in nursing homes, suffer from dementia, or have passed away.

At home, his family members work during the day and only return late in the evening.

Over time, however, he says that he has learnt to enjoy the time alone - even if it means he can only afford to sit at the void deck and people-watch.

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With Singapore's ageing population, there is an increasing number of elderly people who go about their lives alone.

Some do not enjoy the loneliness, while others are perfectly content with the freedom to do as they please.

However, if you know of an elderly who needs help, these are some numbers you can call:

Agency for Integrated Care (Centralised agency for the handling of referrals to intermediate and long–term care services), 1800–650 6060

Lions Befrienders (Information, referral and befriender services for the elderly), 1800–375 8600

The Seniors Helpline (manned by SAGE Counselling Centre, For anyone 50 years and above or anyone who has a concern or question regarding someone 50 years and above), 1800–555 5555

Top photo via Pinterest.