Elderly Friendly Societies by Design

On 15 November an event arranged by the Royal Danish Embassy took place at ParkRoyal hotel in Singapore.The focus of the meeting was elderly care and welfare initiatives for Singapore and Denmark’s senior citizens. The event started with an introduction by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Heng Chee How, and Denmark’s ambassador to Singapore, Dorte Bech Vizard.

CEO & Founder of Eskild Hansen Design Studio in Denmark, Eskild Hansen, went on stage to talk about new technology and product designs aimed at helping elders. He showcased an interesting new collaboration project with Silicon Vally – an intelligent hospital bed with advanced sensory technology that can improve the care and dignity of those hospitalised.

An intelligent hospital bed can detect urine leaks and alarm the nurse

Deputy Director of Singapore’s Housing and Development Board, Lee-Loy Kwee Wah, is responsible for anticipating social, physical and psychological issues related to public housing in Singapore. She spoke about some of the new initiatives they are taking to make public homes more friendly to elders. This includes handlebars all over the apartment, switch operated clothing racks and beautiful recreational outside areas.

Integrating Danish welfare technologies in Singapore doesn’t happen overnight but Dorthe Pedersen, Co-founder of Cycling Without Age has launched a project in Denmark that has already spread to 27 countries – including Singapore. Cycling Without Age hires young people to take elders on rides in rickshaws. Albeit not being direct medical care, the project greatly improves the life quality of seniors in both Denmark and Singapore.

Cycling Without Age started in Denmark with only five bikes

Denmark and Singapore’s cooperation in terms of welfare is growing significantly and the event showed a bright future for the care of elders in both countries.

Among the other speakers were:

Helene Bækmark, CEO, Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality

Peter Julies, CEO and Founding Partner, Public Intelligence

Dr. Tan Yeow Kee, Founder, SoundEye

Dr. Ang Hak Seng, Chief Executive Director, People’s Association

Thomas Krarup, Alderman and Member of City Council, Aalborg Municipality

Rachel Ngo, Assistant Director, Health Promotion Board

and Koh Juay Meng, President, RSVP Singapore.