SenzeHub

27/04/2025

With 80,000 Seniors living alone, we are doing our part to help support them with a tech innovation (developed over a year) to ensure their safety and wellness. Help pass this on or nominate someone you know. https://www.senzelife.com

20/09/2024

If you have a relative or friend staying alone, HomeSafe is an affordable solution helping to alert up to 4 family members when someone needs help .

In 2023 there are 78,135 Seniors living alone
Help forward to those you know - thanks
www.SenzeHub.com/homesafe
Enquiries to homesafe@SenzeHub.com

https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20240908-4659085 8 Sep newspaper

https://youtu.be/qrALildNus8 watch video

06/09/2024

HomeSafe for Seniors living alone - available 9 September 2024
https://youtu.be/qrALildNus8 homesafe@senzehub.com

HSA help someone alone

06/07/2024

Finding plausible solutions to eldercare can be ... fun - if one has the patience. After 5 years since March 2019, we are a bit closer to when we first started. However the optimism is always the answer of product-market fit PMF is that it's around the corner, but it begs the question then of which corner we can't foretell

29/06/2024

ExerGame with machine learning/AI using built-in camera of devices, developed with Unity game engine to control video games for rehab. After nearly 9 months, project is near completion for in-patient ward in a cluster acute hospital for SCI spinal cord injury and stroke patients in wheelchair or resting on bed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6fQLBfpzbY demo

Looking to work with acute hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centres and community care. Only requirement is a device with camera, could be laptop, tablet or smartphone with sufficient processing power to detect and control games.

29/06/2024

Safety and health of our Seniors are our concern - and like to thank Wai Kin and Jules, were in the north this afternoon on a weekend, pro bono installing 2 devices in the flats of Mr Kwek and Ms Hong. We're be doing more the next 4 months, and looking also for volunteers to help out.

Several ways to contact us:

via Whatsapp community Care for Senior https://chat.whatsapp.com/CbsiKQYSbpxEQjKuh4eYPg

or Telegram group http://T.me/careforsenior

29/06/2024

Care for Senior - 50 volunteers. Had a meeting Thursday with a SSA social service agency, looking for volunteers to help (for an hour) Seniors in wheelchairs to venture slightly out of their Kampong Glam where they stay and back. So would be more of an enjoyable short trip to see the neighbourhood, without having to take a bus or MRT.

We'll also give a short briefing on safety pushing wheelchair on the pavement, slope and when encountering kerbs.

Am looking to help organize on a Saturday morning - 13 July or 17 August, if we're able to have sufficient interest to meet there around 9.30am and finish by 10.30am. Please help to pass this around, to your friends and contacts too.

Several ways to contact me:
via Whatsapp community Care for Senior https://chat.whatsapp.com/CbsiKQYSbpxEQjKuh4eYPg

or Telegram group http://T.me/careforsenior

24/06/2024

Don’t let mental illness rob your senior joy - by Arul John 2 of 4 articles (more at www.CaresforSeniors.com)

Mental health disorders affect about 20 per cent of elderly adults in the US,, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the percentage is similar in Singapore.
With the added concerns of the current coronavirus pandemic, it is important to pay careful attention to your ageing loved one’s mental health as the elderly may be more susceptible to mental health disorders during this time.

Isolation due to essential physical distancing preventive measures and concerns over their increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can take a toll on seniors’ mental health.

But with knowledge and watchfulness, you can assess your senior loved one’s safety and well-being, and stay aware of their emotional and mental health.
Getting things straight about ageing
Elderly people are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to younger people.
The most common mental health issue among the elderly is severe cognitive impairment or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 5 million adults aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease — about 10 per cent of seniors.
Depression and mood disorders affect up to 5 per cent of seniors 65 and older living in the community, and up to 13.5 per cent of older adults who receive home healthcare or are hospitalised.

Anxiety disorders often go along with depression. These include a range of issues, from hoarding syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder to phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nearly 10 per cent of those older than 65 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, says the Ministry of Health.

Senior risk factors for mental health disorders
According to the World Health Organization and the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, potential triggers for mental illness in the elderly include:
● Alcohol or substance abuse
● Dementia-causing illness (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease)
● Illness or loss of a loved one
● Long-term illness (e.g., cancer or heart disease)
● Chronic pain
● Medication interactions
● Physical disability or loss of mobility
● Physical illnesses that can affect emotion, memory and thought
● Poor diet or malnutrition

Assessing mental health in seniors
One of the ongoing problems with diagnosing and treating mental illness in seniors is that older adults are more likely to report physical symptoms instead of psychiatric complaints.
Certain elderly behavioural problems may indicate mental health disorders so be aware of any changes in these five areas to determine whether a consultation with a doctor is necessary:
● Life tasks and self-care activities such as dressing, preparing meals, or using the phone
● Safety, including financial safety and driving
● Physical health, including pain or uncomfortable symptoms, hospitalisations, or loss of appetite
● Emotional health such as feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, or isolation
● Medication safety, including skipping medications, and worrisome side effects or symptoms related to medications

Symptoms of mental illness in the elderly
As loved ones age, it is natural for some changes to occur. But persistent cognitive or memory loss is potentially serious.
The same goes for extreme anxiety or long-term depression.
Caregivers should therefore watch for the following warning signs, which could indicate a mental health concern:
● Changes in appearance or dress, or problems maintaining the home or yard.
● Confusion, disorientation, problems with concentration or decision-making.
● Changes in appetite; changes in weight.
● Depressed moods lasting longer than two weeks.
● Memory loss, especially recent or short-term memory problems.
● Unexplained physical problems, aches, constipation
● Social withdrawal; loss of interest in things that used to be enjoyable.
● Trouble handling finances or working with numbers.
● Unexplained fatigue, energy loss or sleep changes.

During these times of social distancing, keep close watch on your ageing loved ones when you are interacting with them, so as to spot signs they need help.

Do not hesitate to seek medical help if you notice that your loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms.

24/06/2024

Physical deterioration among the elderly - by Arul John 1 of 4 articles
(article at www.CaresforSeniors.com)

Only about 1 in 10 Singaporeans over 50 exercises enough to gain any cardiovascular benefit, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health.

Studies have shown that people over the age of 65 especially require adequate fitness levels to help them maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their high risk of disease.

Physical decline in older age

About half of the physical decline associated with ageing may be due to a lack of physical activity. Without regular exercise, elderly people can experience a range of health problems including:

● Reduced muscle mass, strength and physical endurance

● Reduced coordination and balance

● Reduced joint flexibility and mobility

● Reduced cardiovascular and respiratory function

● Reduced bone strength

● Increased body fat levels

● Increased blood pressure

● Increased susceptibility to anxiety and depression

● Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Common myths

Many older people believe that exercise is no longer appropriate for them. Some common misconceptions that prompt older people to abandon physical activity include:

● Older people are frail and physically weak.

● The human body does not need as much physical activity as it ages.

● Exercising is hazardous for older people because they may injure themselves.

● Only vigorous and sustained exercise is of any use.

Other factors that may contribute to the lack of physical exercise among people over 50 years include:

● Preference for sedentary activities, such as reading and socialising.

● Some elderly people may be put off by the relatively high cost of some sports equipment.

● Many sports and activities tend to attract young adults, so older people may feel unwelcome.

● The physical fitness marketplace has failed to include and attract older people

Benefits of exercise to the elderly

● Muscle development
Some studies suggest that we lose around 3kg of lean muscle every decade after hitting middle age. The muscle fibres that seem to be most affected are those of the ‘fast twitch’ variety, which govern strength and speedy contraction, but muscle mass can increase in the older person after regularly exercising for a relatively short period of time.

● Bone
Bone density begins to decline after the age of 40, but accelerates as we turn 50. As a result, older people are more prone to bone fractures. Weight-bearing exercises, in particular, help to keep bones healthy and strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

● Heart and lungs
Moderate intensity exercise is most favourable: for example, exercising at about 70 per cent of the individual’s maximum heart rate (220 beats per minute minus your age). Studies show that cardiorespiratory fitness takes longer to achieve in an older person compared to a younger person, but the physical benefits are similar. Regardless of age, people are able to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness through regular exercise.

● Joints
The joints of the body require regular movement to remain supple and healthy. People with arthritis can benefit from aerobic and strengthening exercise programmes.

● Body fat
Excessive body fat has been associated with a range of diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular exercise burns calories, increases muscle mass and speeds up metabolism.

Getting active
Suggestions include:
● If you are over 40 years, obese, suffer from a chronic illness or have been sedentary for some time, see your doctor before you start a new exercise regimen.
● Choose interesting activities. You are more likely to keep up with an exercise routine if it is fun
● Exercise with friends. Safe, easy and comfortable forms of exercise include walking, swimming and cycling.
● Start slowly and aim for small improvements.
● Check your pulse frequently to make sure you are not overexerting yourself
● Choose appropriate clothing and safety gear.
● Stay hydrated and drink lots of water.

24/06/2024

Anyone interested in the future of aging, watch this ... we can already do this today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeejtZmjyqg

email me at georgeh@u.nus.edu if like to be part of this journey, to help care for Seniors in our community CaresforSeniors.com

23/06/2024

Singapore has a rapidly aging population, looking around on the bus and at hawker centres is relatively easy to spot older adults with walking stick or on a wheelchair. With good healthcare in a senze (pun intended) life span is also extended on average to 83 years. Frailty though is mostly inevitable.

Eldercare is somewhat similar to infantcare ... for those who have experienced caregiving, considering the expense of diapers and milk powder - nutrition supplement needed due to swallowing difficulty. My family experienced firsthand, before both parents passed on in their eighties.

One of the difficulty faced by retirees is ability to pay, and the often heard refrain - shouldn't the government step in? My guess is there's a limit to subsidies, when in a couple of years 1 in 4 will be aged 65 and above.

So then, is there any easy and affordable solution? We feel one possibility is through enhancing CoC Communities of Care, which is built on people with tech as an enabler. Join us on our journey as SenzeHub embarks to solve a social challenge and subscribe to updates at CaresforSeniors.com or sign up as a volunteer at our site.

We also welcome ideas and partners to work together or if you've recently retired, to reach out to georgeh@u.nus.edu to help us make an impact.