Duke-NUS brings research to policy as Singapore plans for rapidly ageing future
As Singapore prepares for a demographic shift that will see one in four citizens aged 65 and above[1] by 2030, researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School are helping to inform how the city-state designs policies and communities that enable people to age well.
At the inaugural Singapore Conference on Ageing and Health, themed "Ageing Well in the Community: Exploring New Horizons" and convened by Duke-NUS' Centre for Ageing Research & Education (CARE), researchers, policymakers, healthcare leaders and community organisations gathered to examine what evidence shows about ageing in place and how that evidence can be translated into practical policy and programme design.
The two-day conference, held on 2 and 3 February 2026, brought together more than 170 presenters from 15 countries across Asia, Europe and North America, comprising leaders from academia, government and community sectors. Discussions focused on issues that ageing societies increasingly face, including social isolation, dementia care, community engagement and the role of technology in supporting older adults—through means such as time-banking to the role of public policy in fostering community engagement.
A recurring theme was the importance of designing ageing policies around how older persons live their daily lives, rather than expecting individuals to adapt to rigid systems. Research shared at the conference showed that programmes aligned with older persons' routines, interests and social realities are more effective at fostering meaningful relationships and reducing loneliness.
One Duke-NUS study, conducted between 2023 and 2025, evaluated the implementation of the Active Ageing Centre (AAC) service model across Singapore. It found that older persons formed stronger social ties when they were encouraged to co-create programmes and take leadership roles, rather than participating as passive recipients. These findings have direct implications for how community-based ageing initiatives are structured and evaluated.
Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognised as health risks among Singapore's older adults. In response, Singapore has expanded AACs and other neighbourhood-based initiatives to encourage social participation. The research presented at the conference offers evidence-based insights into how these spaces can be strengthened to better meet older persons' social, emotional and psychological needs.
Several community-based models highlighted at the conference demonstrated how evidence-informed design can translate into stronger social connections among older adults. For example, NTUC Health's "Designing Together" initiative brings older persons and youth together to co-create active ageing solutions[2] fostering intergenerational ties and a sense of ownership. At the AAC operated by Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, older persons are encouraged to take the lead in shaping programmes, with staff adopting facilitation roles rather than directing activities—an approach that researchers found builds more meaningful and sustained social connections[3].
Associate Professor Rahul Malhotra, Executive Director of the Centre for Ageing Research & Education at Duke-NUS Medical School, said,
"As Singapore shifts towards supporting older persons to age well within their homes and communities, it becomes increasingly important to strengthen how active ageing spaces operate on the ground. Our research shows that these spaces work best when they are designed around older persons' daily routines, relationships and aspirations—not just around programmes or infrastructure. Beyond extending lifespans, we need models that support social connection, psychological well-being and a sense of purpose, so older persons can age with dignity and meaning."
A conference highlight was a performance at the opening ceremony by dancers living with dementia and their care partners, presented by social enterprise Dementia & Co. The performance underscored the role of the arts and community participation in supporting well-being and inclusion for persons living with dementia, offering a powerful visual reflection of the conference's focus on ageing well in the community.
The conference also marked the 10th anniversary of the Centre for Ageing Research & Education (CARE) at Duke-NUS, which conducts interdisciplinary research on the social and medical determinants of ageing and works closely with government and community partners.
Professor Patrick Tan, Dean of Duke-NUS, said,
"As Singapore advances initiatives such as Age Well SG, there is growing need for research that helps policymakers understand how neighbourhoods, services and social systems can better support ageing in the community. This conference reflects Duke-NUS' role in bringing evidence, policy and practice into closer conversation."
For Singapore, often cited internationally as a test-bed for demographic change, the conference underscored how academic research can inform forward-looking policies—not only to manage ageing, but to reimagine it.
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[1] National Population and Talent Division, Population in Brief 2025 report (www.population.gov.sg/files/me … on_in_Brief_2025.pdf)
[2] The Straits Times, "Seniors learn to solve active ageing challenges alongside youth in new NTUC Health programme", 1 March 2025
[3] Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Launches Refreshed THK Active Ageing Centre @ Bedok and Bedok Sanctuary, 20 September 2024. Besides encouraging older persons to co-design programmes, it was found that extending operating hours allowed older persons the freedom to use the space beyond staff-manned hours. (https://www.thkmc.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Media-Release-Launch-of-Refreshed-THK-AAC-Bedok-and-Bedok-Sanctuary-Final.pdf)
Provided by Duke-NUS Medical School
