FUNCTIONAL HEALTH STATUS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN SINGAPORE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE COMMUNITY FUNCTIONAL SCREENING PROGRAMME

Abstract

Singapore faces the challenge of a rapidly ageing population with an estimated one in four residents being 65 years or older by 2030. With an ageing population, it becomes an emerging public health concern that a large proportion of older adults may have functional limitations such as reduced mobility, vision loss and hearing impairment, all of which can affect their independence and quality of life.

Between 2011 and 2015, the Health Promotion Board screened 7,848 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older living in Singapore for functional decline under the Community Functional Screening Programme. This research paper aims to provide an overview of the functional health status of these screening participants in six domains - vision, hearing, mood, continence, physical function and oral health. It also aims to provide insights on common barriers to post-screening follow-up.