Record suicides of seniors in Singapore

Singapore: The number of elderly people who committed suicide in Singapore reached a record last year, said a non-governmental group on Monday calling for stronger support for those over 60 years old. the aging city-state. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), which focuses on the prevention of suicides, said the fear of becoming a burden to the family, social disconnect, physical disability and deterioration of mental health are the challenges the most common encountered by the elderly

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With birth rates still low and life expectancy longer, Singapore is flocking to an aging population that has been described as a "demographic time bomb."

SOS said in a statement that the number of people aged 60 and over who committed suicide in 2017 rose to 129, which was the highest ever recorded and accounted for nearly 36% of suicides in this area. year.

"It is very worrying that many people commit suicide – the only choice to end their suffering and struggles," said SOS Executive Director Christine Wong.

"The aging of the population in Singapore will pose more challenges to the social support services available.There is an imminent need for stronger support networks as the number of elderly people living alone in Singapore continues to grow. "SOS said that the increase in the number of suicides in the country decreased in 2017 to Its lowest level since 2012.

Official projections show that the number of Singaporean citizens aged 65 and more will double from 500,000 in 2016 to 900,000 in 2030. Other developed countries are also facing aging issues.