HPB’s new programme to help senior citizens raise health literacy

SINGAPORE: Senior citizens in Choa Chu Kang are going "back to school" for a different reason.

Needy elderly can now receive regular dental treatment at school dental clinics on scheduled weekends.

The initiative was launched by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) at South View Primary in Choa Chu Kang Central on Saturday.

HPB said less than half the population visit the dentist once a year, and there is high prevalence of poor oral health among Singapore’s elderly.

It’s rolling out workshops and hands—on activities to help the elderly understand the importance of flu vaccination, home safety and oral health.

It’s also introducing community—based flu vaccination for needy seniors.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said Choa Chu Kang is a fairly mature estate, and hopes the initiatives can help the elderly address their healthcare concerns.

He said: "For the elderly, vaccination is also a very important part of their healthcare because they are more susceptible to flu, influenza and so on. And once they fall ill, there is a risk that they may develop more serious complications. So it is better for us to help them to prevent influenza problems and therefore we’ll want to encourage them to go for vaccination."

— CNA/al/ck