Insights + interviews
Redefining Ageing: SUSS-Led Global Study Reveals Seniors Seek Purpose, Not Just Palliative Care
Ageing is no longer seen as a decline but a pursuit of purpose, connection, and choice.
This is the key insight from the first multi-region study on ageing well, officially launched at the Intercontinental Alliance for Integrated Care (IAIC) 2025 gala dinner, hosted by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
The IAIC 2025 summit, themed “Beyond Borders, Beyond Age: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tapestry of Integrated Care” , served as a call to action for experts across the world to integrate medical, social, emotional, and community support into a seamless pattern of care.
Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of SUSS, highlighted the urgency in Singapore, noting that the country will become a “super-aged society” next year, with more than one in five citizens aged 65 and above.
“Ageing is not a burden to be managed. It is a season of life to be respected, supported, and reimagined, where every person, regardless of age, continues to have value, voice, and belonging,” she said.
The Multi-Region Study: Ageing is a Pursuit of Mastery
The cornerstone of IAIC 2025 was the launch of the multi-region study, A Study on Perceptions of Ageing and Ageing Well: Exploring Older Adults’ Experiences and Coping Strategies Across Regions.
- Global Reach: Led by SUSS and co-developed with IAIC members, the study drew insights from five regions: Singapore, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and the United Kingdom. Insights from Brunei and Thailand will be incorporated in the next phase.
- Common Aspirations: The findings reveal that across the world, older adults want the same things as they age: autonomy, purpose, and respect. The essence of later life comes from being able to shape one’s own path.
- Singapore Chapter Insights: Drawing on about 1,000 survey respondents locally , the Singapore chapter revealed that “mastery”—the belief that one can still influence the course of one’s life—is a strong predictor of successful ageing. Additionally, women aged 75–84 place a higher value on family and close relationships than men of the same age bracket.
Associate Professor Justina Tan, Principal Investigator for the study, noted that the research aims to provide “invaluable insights to guide more targeted policies and interventions” as Singapore becomes super-aged next year.
From Recipients to Co-Creators
Both SUSS President Professor Tan Tai Yong and Mdm Halimah Yacob emphasised the need to move “Beyond Age”. This requires moving from viewing seniors as recipients of care to recognising them as co-creators of tomorrow’s care landscape.
- Intergenerational Engagement: The gala dinner showcased this philosophy with a vibrant intergenerational fashion runway. The “Tapestry of Style” showcase featured seniors from Lions Befrienders and student-designers from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), celebrating seniors as active creators.
- Rethinking Life Stages: Mdm Halimah Yacob referenced the idea that we must “jumble up the sequence of play, study, work and retirement” to support much longer lifespans and career journeys.
IAIC Momentum and Future
The IAIC has cemented its role as a global movement rooted in shared humanity.
- Alliance Expansion: The Alliance welcomed seven new members from countries including South Korea, India, Japan, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Estonia.
- Local Strengthening: SUSS also formalised new Local Chapter MOUs with Presbyterian Community Social Services Limited and the Singapore Hospice Council to strengthen community-based initiatives.
- Passing the Baton: IAIC 2025 concluded with SUSS handing over hosting duties for IAIC 2026 to Royal Holloway, University of London.
Professor Tan Tai Yong stressed that SUSS will continue to build on this foundation by driving deeper research and expanding partnerships that turn knowledge into action, guided by the pillars of continuity of care, healthy ageing, digital inclusion, capacity building, and good governance.
Pictures credit to Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
Cover photo caption: Guest-of-Honour, Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor, SUSS, together with representatives from Singapore, Canada, China and the United Kingdom at the official launch of the IAIC study.
