PAP Seniors Group volunteers to befriend lonely elderly people in 9 estates in S'pore as a start in 1-year pilot

Volunteers will be identifying, contacting, and befriending seniors in Singapore who appear isolated or in need of social support under a new one-year initiative by the People’s Action Party Seniors Group (PAPSG).

The initiative will start with nine branches chaired by PAPSG members and will operate in areas, such as Bedok, Kaki Bukit, and Toa Payoh Central for a start.

This new initiative was unveiled as the group's biggest concern is social isolation given that Singapore's population is ageing, PAPSG chairman Tan See Leng said on Oct. 4 at an event at Furama Riverfront to mark the International Day of Older Persons.

The pilot will build on Meet-the-People Sessions and existing house visits to identify seniors the.

PAPSG was formed in 2013.

Singapore a super-aged society

According to data released on Sep. 25, Singapore is a super-aged society.

Some 21.4 per cent of its citizen population was aged 65 and older as at June 2026.

Tan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), told some 300 party volunteers, MPs and branch chairs: "Now, one of our biggest worries today is some seniors are slipping through the cracks and living in total isolation."

One way the initiative could help is by connecting seniors to resources, such as nearby Active Ageing Centres or social services.

These seniors could be the first to seek volunteers for help for a range of matters, such as financial, employment or healthcare assistance, and they will be engaged in conversations to find out if they are socially isolated or have other needs.

PAPSG also launched a customisable resource template with national helplines, Meet-the-People Session details, and nearby community services information.

Branches can tweak the information for their constituencies, and customise them on printed sheets, fridge magnets, or in soft copy.

Dialogue with community led to initiative

The befriending initiative came about following several rounds of feedback.

PAPSG had organised four community conversations and a dialogue session between February and August 2026, which identified as one of their priorities the strengthening of support for older adults living alone.

The other areas of concern were making care more affordable and accessible, as well as expanding opportunities for seniors in employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.