Meeting the needs of the aged population in Singapore.

The rapid ageing of Singapore's population has been regarded as a major national concern. The aged cohort in the early part ofthe 21st century is likely to be the worst hit as the demand for old-age care exceeds the supply. The study begins with an examination on how ageing population can affect the aged in terms of the ability to meet their needs. Population trends have been studied and the needs of the aged have been analyzed. Based on the understanding of the aged's needs together with the impact ·of population ageing on those needs, the authors have determined a set of approaches to help the aged meet their needs better. These approaches are to: 1) provide sound financial support infrastructure, 2) create a conducive environment for continued economic participation, 3) ensure that health care service remains affordable, 4) provide comprehensive community-based services, 5) provide adequate residential care, 6) strengthen the cohesiveness offamily, and 7) facilitate the formation ofmutual support groups. Setting the seven approaches as the central focus of the study, five chapters are devoted to discussing the rationale for the approaches as well as examining how current measures have been directed along them. Recommendations have also been proposed with the hope of ensuring that the needs ofthe future generation ofthe aged will be adequately met.ACCOUNTANC