|
Developed By APAC Pharmacist Experts
- 1 in 2 diabetics, and 1 in 10 adults suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy [1],[2]
- Community pharmacists first and most accessible point of healthcare contact
- New guidelines highlight emerging role of pharmacists in elevating the standard of care
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Asia-Pacific pharmacist experts, together with P&G Health, announced the region's first guideline designed for community pharmacists to identify, assess, and manage patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in everyday pharmacy practice.
The "Empowering Community Pharmacists - Expert Consensus Guidelines for the Effective Management of Peripheral Neuropathy with Neurotropic B Vitamins' translates evidence into practical, culturally adaptable recommendations to standardize pharmacy-based screening, counselling, and stepwise management—narrowing the persistent gap of underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Dr. Yolanda R. Robles (Lead Author, Chairperson), Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines; President of Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) said, "PN is a widespread and often debilitating condition that has high prevalence amongst diabetic patients in APAC [3-7] – the Philippines (58%), Indonesia (58%), Malaysia (54%), Thailand (34%), Singapore (28%), and Australia (21%). With pharmacists being the most accessible health professional in many APAC countries, this consensus translates the best available evidence into simple steps for pharmacists to spot PN earlier, guide patients confidently, and partner physicians to improve long-term outcomes."
Why this matters in Asia Pacific
Shraddha Vohra, Vice President, Personal Health Care Asia Pacific, P&G Health Singapore said, "Community pharmacies are often the first point of contact for people experiencing numbness, tingling, burning, or pins-and-needles in their hands and feet—symptoms commonly associated with PN. With up to 80% of PN cases in APAC estimated to remain undiagnosed, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to recognize symptoms early, guide patients to appropriate care, and help prevent progression. This guideline is tailored to the realities of pharmacy workflows, multilingual communities, and varied regulatory environments across APAC, and beyond, with tools that can be adapted locally to support rapid adoption."
Reframing the role of pharmacists: from reactive management to proactive early screening and timely treatment
According to Contributing Author Dr. Apt. Lusy Noviani, Indonesian Pharmacist Association (IAI), "From behind the counter to the frontline, APAC pharmacists are moving from dispensing to early detection and proactive care. In countries like Indonesia, where doctor–to–population ratios are low, community pharmacists play a critical role in early screening and reducing delays in PN care."
The new guidelines enable pharmacists to function as proactive care partners throughout the PN pathway by empowering them to:
- Spot at-risk patients early by applying a newly-created risk mnemonic (MEDIC)
- Differentiate nerve pain from muscle pain
- Use simple, validated screening questionnaires in-pharmacy (e.g., ACT, DN4, NPQ)[8]
- Initiate counselling, consider appropriate over-the-counter options including high-dose nerve nourishing B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) when suitable, and refer promptly when red flags are present
- Monitor and follow up to evaluate response, ensure safety and adjust individualized patient care plans
Spot PN early with MEDIC
"In busy pharmacy settings, simple tools matter. MEDIC is an easy-to-remember risk mnemonic that stands for M – Medication, E – Elderly, D – Diabetes, I – Infection, C – Chronic. Using MEDIC, pharmacists can flag patients at high risk of nerve damage early— without diagnosing, but by guiding next steps," shared Dr. Navin Kumar Loganadan, Contributing Author & Head of Ambulatory Pharmacy & DMTAC (Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic) Clinic, Malaysia.
"PN is often discovered late when nerve pain is severe. Our guideline empowers pharmacists to differentiate nerve from muscle pain early, apply validated screening tools, and initiate timely referrals. This shift from reaction to prevention can help patients restore nerve function and independence," added Ms. Grace Chew, Independent Pharmacist & Contributing Author, Singapore.
From screening to support: A clear care pathway
Dr. Kenny James P. Merin, Contributing Author & Lyceum of the Philippines University – Davao (LPU Davao) shared, "This guideline is about practical, everyday pharmacy. The steps are clear: identify risk, screen, counsel, consider therapeutic-dose B1, B6, and B12 where appropriate, and follow up consistently. With structured algorithms and checklists, pharmacists can standardize care without slowing workflow."
It is common for patients to self-medicate for PN with vitamin B products, often using inappropriate dosage. This can lead to a lack of efficacy due to an insufficient dose or, conversely, overdose from certain B vitamins, which can worsen nerve-related symptoms. This is therefore an area where pharmacists can provide critical oversight toward improving patient outcomes.
"Therapeutic-dose neurotropic B vitamins have a role in comprehensive PN management for suitable patients with the right dose and duration. Our guideline emphasizes pharmacist vigilance—reassessing at 3–6 months, watching for red flags, and collaborating closely with physicians," added Dr. Kitiyot Yotsombut, Contributing Author, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
Access and implementation
The expert consensus guideline will be made available for APAC pharmacists via a newly launched resource portal, P&G Nerve Connect and expert-led webinars in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore.
"Behavior change is never easy, our recent pharmacist survey in the Philippines showed that those completing five or more training sessions demonstrate significantly better knowledge on the right dose of B vitamins for PN. P&G Health's Nerve Connect provides an always-on omnichannel education solution, transforming paper-based guidelines into engaging, everyday pharmacist practices," added Dr. Yolanda R. Robles.
Shraddha Vohra from P&G shared, " P&G Nerve Connect is a one-stop center for nerve health bringing together real-world patient case insights and practical tools to help pharmacists enhance patient interactions and strengthen everyday clinical decision-making. Pharmacists who face high patient flow, multiple tasks and limited capacity will have access to resources such as checklists and training videos. In addition, they will be encouraged to submit their patient cases to inspire their community and exchange learnings across APAC."
To access the first APAC Pharmacists' Guidelines for PN, visit https://mobile.swiperxapp.com/png-nerveconnect-ph/clinical-guideline/
To access P&G Nerve Connect, visit https://mobile.swiperxapp.com/png-nerveconnect-ph/
Notes to editors: The guideline is unbranded and intended for healthcare professional use. It complements, not replaces, physician diagnosis and care. Pharmacists should adhere to local regulations governing scope of practice, screening, and referral.
Media contact - MSL
Isha Meleth, MSL Singapore [Isha.meleth@mslgroup.com]
References
| 1. Malik, R.A. International Review of Neurobiology, Volume 127; 2016, 287-317. |
| 2. Joel R.S, et. al., Current Medical Research and Opinion, 40(6), 977–987. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2024.2352852 |
| 3. Diabetes: Australian Facts, Diabetes-Related Complications Available online (accessed on 19 September 2025). |
| 4. Malik, R.A et. al.; J Diabetes Investig 2020, 11, 1097–1103, doi:10.1111/jdi.13269. |
| 5. Malik, R.A. et al. Adv Ther 2017, 34, 1426–1437, doi:10.1007/s12325-017-0536-5. |
| 6. Espiritu-Picar, R.B. et. al. Acta Med Philipp 2023, 57, 46–51, doi:10.47895/amp.vi0.4471. |
| 7. Hu Hanquan, A. et. al.; Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare 2021, 30, 265–270, doi:10.1177/2010105820978993. |
| 8. Gad, H.; et. al. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2025, 41, 93–104, doi:10.1080/03007995.2024.2443109. |
Developed By APAC Pharmacist Experts
- 1 in 2 diabetics, and 1 in 10 adults suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy [1],[2]
- Community pharmacists first and most accessible point of healthcare contact
- New guidelines highlight emerging role of pharmacists in elevating the standard of care
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Asia-Pacific pharmacist experts, together with P&G Health, announced the region's first guideline designed for community pharmacists to identify, assess, and manage patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in everyday pharmacy practice.
The "Empowering Community Pharmacists - Expert Consensus Guidelines for the Effective Management of Peripheral Neuropathy with Neurotropic B Vitamins' translates evidence into practical, culturally adaptable recommendations to standardize pharmacy-based screening, counselling, and stepwise management—narrowing the persistent gap of underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Dr. Yolanda R. Robles (Lead Author, Chairperson), Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines; President of Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) said, "PN is a widespread and often debilitating condition that has high prevalence amongst diabetic patients in APAC [3-7] – the Philippines (58%), Indonesia (58%), Malaysia (54%), Thailand (34%), Singapore (28%), and Australia (21%). With pharmacists being the most accessible health professional in many APAC countries, this consensus translates the best available evidence into simple steps for pharmacists to spot PN earlier, guide patients confidently, and partner physicians to improve long-term outcomes."
Why this matters in Asia Pacific
Shraddha Vohra, Vice President, Personal Health Care Asia Pacific, P&G Health Singapore said, "Community pharmacies are often the first point of contact for people experiencing numbness, tingling, burning, or pins-and-needles in their hands and feet—symptoms commonly associated with PN. With up to 80% of PN cases in APAC estimated to remain undiagnosed, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to recognize symptoms early, guide patients to appropriate care, and help prevent progression. This guideline is tailored to the realities of pharmacy workflows, multilingual communities, and varied regulatory environments across APAC, and beyond, with tools that can be adapted locally to support rapid adoption."
Reframing the role of pharmacists: from reactive management to proactive early screening and timely treatment
According to Contributing Author Dr. Apt. Lusy Noviani, Indonesian Pharmacist Association (IAI), "From behind the counter to the frontline, APAC pharmacists are moving from dispensing to early detection and proactive care. In countries like Indonesia, where doctor–to–population ratios are low, community pharmacists play a critical role in early screening and reducing delays in PN care."
The new guidelines enable pharmacists to function as proactive care partners throughout the PN pathway by empowering them to:
Spot PN early with MEDIC
"In busy pharmacy settings, simple tools matter. MEDIC is an easy-to-remember risk mnemonic that stands for M – Medication, E – Elderly, D – Diabetes, I – Infection, C – Chronic. Using MEDIC, pharmacists can flag patients at high risk of nerve damage early— without diagnosing, but by guiding next steps," shared Dr. Navin Kumar Loganadan, Contributing Author & Head of Ambulatory Pharmacy & DMTAC (Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic) Clinic, Malaysia.
"PN is often discovered late when nerve pain is severe. Our guideline empowers pharmacists to differentiate nerve from muscle pain early, apply validated screening tools, and initiate timely referrals. This shift from reaction to prevention can help patients restore nerve function and independence," added Ms. Grace Chew, Independent Pharmacist & Contributing Author, Singapore.
From screening to support: A clear care pathway
Dr. Kenny James P. Merin, Contributing Author & Lyceum of the Philippines University – Davao (LPU Davao) shared, "This guideline is about practical, everyday pharmacy. The steps are clear: identify risk, screen, counsel, consider therapeutic-dose B1, B6, and B12 where appropriate, and follow up consistently. With structured algorithms and checklists, pharmacists can standardize care without slowing workflow."
It is common for patients to self-medicate for PN with vitamin B products, often using inappropriate dosage. This can lead to a lack of efficacy due to an insufficient dose or, conversely, overdose from certain B vitamins, which can worsen nerve-related symptoms. This is therefore an area where pharmacists can provide critical oversight toward improving patient outcomes.
"Therapeutic-dose neurotropic B vitamins have a role in comprehensive PN management for suitable patients with the right dose and duration. Our guideline emphasizes pharmacist vigilance—reassessing at 3–6 months, watching for red flags, and collaborating closely with physicians," added Dr. Kitiyot Yotsombut, Contributing Author, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
Access and implementation
The expert consensus guideline will be made available for APAC pharmacists via a newly launched resource portal, P&G Nerve Connect and expert-led webinars in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore.
"Behavior change is never easy, our recent pharmacist survey in the Philippines showed that those completing five or more training sessions demonstrate significantly better knowledge on the right dose of B vitamins for PN. P&G Health's Nerve Connect provides an always-on omnichannel education solution, transforming paper-based guidelines into engaging, everyday pharmacist practices," added Dr. Yolanda R. Robles.
Shraddha Vohra from P&G shared, " P&G Nerve Connect is a one-stop center for nerve health bringing together real-world patient case insights and practical tools to help pharmacists enhance patient interactions and strengthen everyday clinical decision-making. Pharmacists who face high patient flow, multiple tasks and limited capacity will have access to resources such as checklists and training videos. In addition, they will be encouraged to submit their patient cases to inspire their community and exchange learnings across APAC."
To access the first APAC Pharmacists' Guidelines for PN, visit https://mobile.swiperxapp.com/png-nerveconnect-ph/clinical-guideline/
To access P&G Nerve Connect, visit https://mobile.swiperxapp.com/png-nerveconnect-ph/
Notes to editors: The guideline is unbranded and intended for healthcare professional use. It complements, not replaces, physician diagnosis and care. Pharmacists should adhere to local regulations governing scope of practice, screening, and referral.
Media contact - MSL
Isha Meleth, MSL Singapore [Isha.meleth@mslgroup.com]
References
1. Malik, R.A. International Review of Neurobiology, Volume 127; 2016, 287-317.
2. Joel R.S, et. al., Current Medical Research and Opinion, 40(6), 977–987. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2024.2352852
3. Diabetes: Australian Facts, Diabetes-Related Complications Available online (accessed on 19 September 2025).
4. Malik, R.A et. al.; J Diabetes Investig 2020, 11, 1097–1103, doi:10.1111/jdi.13269.
5. Malik, R.A. et al. Adv Ther 2017, 34, 1426–1437, doi:10.1007/s12325-017-0536-5.
6. Espiritu-Picar, R.B. et. al. Acta Med Philipp 2023, 57, 46–51, doi:10.47895/amp.vi0.4471.
7. Hu Hanquan, A. et. al.; Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare 2021, 30, 265–270, doi:10.1177/2010105820978993.
8. Gad, H.; et. al. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2025, 41, 93–104, doi:10.1080/03007995.2024.2443109.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
First Ever APAC Pharmacists' Guideline to Tackle Peripheral Neuropathy
First Ever APAC Pharmacists' Guideline to Tackle Peripheral Neuropathy
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New institute will consolidate SMU's ageing-related research and drive an interdisciplinary agenda to build resilient and opportunity-rich longevity societies and economies
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI) which will focus on the economic and societal transitions needed for economies and societies to continue thriving despite an ageing population.
The Institute was launched on 14 April by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, at the World Ageing Festival 2026, organised by Ageing Asia with SMU as the Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner.
Singapore is already a super-aged society today. By 2030, one in four Singapore citizens will be aged 65 and above. Across Asia, rising life expectancy and smaller birth cohorts are reshaping labour supply, healthcare demand, retirement adequacy and community support systems. LSEI has been established to examine these shifts systematically and generate evidence to support economically sustainable and socially inclusive responses as part of an integrated systems redesign.
Advancing SMU's ageing research to real-world impact
SMU LSEI builds on the University's established track record in ageing research, including the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and the Singapore Life Panel®, one of the world's leading high-frequency panel surveys tracking financial and well-being outcomes.
By consolidating existing initiatives into a coordinated, university-level platform, the Institute will also focus on translating deep research into actionable insights for government agencies, employers, financial institutions and community organisations. SMU has committed a multi-year budget of more than S$10 million to seed and sustain LSEI. In addition, the Institute aims to secure external research funding to grow its partnerships and research programmes aligned with national objectives articulated in the recently launched Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 Plan.
By integrating these strengths with expertise across economics, business, social sciences, law, accountancy and computing, LSEI creates a structured research agenda focused on the social, institutional and economic implications of longer life expectancy.
Noting that institutions need to keep pace with longer lifespans, SMU President Professor Lily Kong pointed out that 'a three-stage life – learn, earn, retire' no longer describes how most people actually live. "We have built systems that still treat later life primarily as a phase of care and cost; escalators move a little too fast; digital forms that assume one has an employer; font sizes no one quite asked for; and retirement policies written when 65 was considered a long life indeed," she observed in her speech.
"Taken together, they communicate something: the designed world could afford to catch up with the lived world. Many of us still adjust to the news that we are living to 90 – and indeed 100 – intending to remain very curious, productive and engaged for much of it. This is the gap that the LSEI that we are establishing today will help to close," she said.
Growth opportunities of the silver economy
The Interim Co-Directors of the new Institute are Dr Cheong Wei Yang, SMU Vice Provost (Strategic Research Partnerships) and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan. Dr Cheong served as Deputy Secretary for Technology at the Ministry of Health before joining SMU, and still serves concurrently as their Senior Advisor for Health Economics. Professor Straughan is also the Director of SMU's Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA).
Dr Cheong said the establishment of LSEI is vital to tackling the profound impact of population ageing, which has far-reaching economic consequences. "However, it also presents significant growth opportunities via the silver economy," he said. "We should not see ageing as only a cost, such as healthcare, but instead as an economic and social opportunity if we approach it as an integrated systems redesign. Through LSEI, SMU is taking a more strategic approach to understand these shifts, and work with partners to translate research into innovative solutions, to support a more resilient and inclusive society and economy in Singapore, and across Asian cities."
The Institute seeks to study longevity, not only from health and care perspectives, but also through the lens of labour productivity, purposeful engagement and economic impact. It also examines how businesses and the marketplace should respond, as well as the importance of mental, social and financial well-being, beyond physical health.
Two research pillars to address economic and social adaptation
LSEI's research agenda is organised around two core pillars:
- Building Longevity Economies examines how labour, markets, retirement systems and fiscal frameworks adapt to ageing populations. This includes workforce participation among older adults, employer practices and incentive structures, retirement adequacy, and market opportunities for the silver economy.
- Cultivating Holistic Well-being adopts a life-course approach that studies preventive health behaviours, financial preparedness, social participation and mental resilience shaping ageing outcomes. It focuses on how policies and community systems strengthen individual support across different stages of life.
Supporting these pillars are research efforts that examine legal, regulatory, technological and behavioural dimensions of longevity, including the adoption of digital and assistive technologies and the policy conditions for their responsible deployment.
New insights into retirement, social connection and quality of life
An example of ageing-related research in SMU is one highlighting the complexity of retirement transitions. Professor Straughan and her team's recent research on 'Retirement and its impact on the social connectivity of older adults in Singapore' finds that retirement reshapes social connections and sense of purpose differently for men and women.
Drawing data from over 10,000 adults aged 50 to 80, the study reveals that while social participation increases after retirement, retired men experience a more pronounced decline in meaning and contribution compared to retired women. The findings point to gaps in policy and community support system design, particularly in supporting male retirees' transition into later life.
Professor Straughan said that retirement represents a 'pivotal life course transition' which may also disrupt one's sense of identity and purpose, particularly within the Singapore context. Empirical evidence from ROSA's Singapore Life Panel shows retirement impacts different dimensions of older adults' social lives differently.
"While retirees report increased participation in activity and gendered expansions in different aspects of their social networks, they also experience a decline in perceived social contribution," she observed, adding that this points to an important area for intervention to help retirees find a sense of purpose in later life.
Partnerships to strengthen policy-practice integration
LSEI has also established strategic partnerships with five key stakeholders in government, community and private sectors, guided by our ambition in the SMU2030 Strategic Plan to deepen connections with government and industries to solve complex problems.
LSEI will work with the Agency for Integrated Care, Lions Befrienders, St Luke's ElderCare, Singlife and Workforce Singapore. The goals include conducting joint research and initiatives supporting community-based care and ageing outcome, holistic well-being and resilience, retirement readiness, and how to harness the talents of mature workers.
This will boost the feedback loop between evidence, implementation and social and economic institutional design.
New institute will consolidate SMU's ageing-related research and drive an interdisciplinary agenda to build resilient and opportunity-rich longevity societies and economies
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI) which will focus on the economic and societal transitions needed for economies and societies to continue thriving despite an ageing population.
The Institute was launched on 14 April by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, at the World Ageing Festival 2026, organised by Ageing Asia with SMU as the Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner.
Singapore is already a super-aged society today. By 2030, one in four Singapore citizens will be aged 65 and above. Across Asia, rising life expectancy and smaller birth cohorts are reshaping labour supply, healthcare demand, retirement adequacy and community support systems. LSEI has been established to examine these shifts systematically and generate evidence to support economically sustainable and socially inclusive responses as part of an integrated systems redesign.
Advancing SMU's ageing research to real-world impact
SMU LSEI builds on the University's established track record in ageing research, including the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and the Singapore Life Panel®, one of the world's leading high-frequency panel surveys tracking financial and well-being outcomes.
By consolidating existing initiatives into a coordinated, university-level platform, the Institute will also focus on translating deep research into actionable insights for government agencies, employers, financial institutions and community organisations. SMU has committed a multi-year budget of more than S$10 million to seed and sustain LSEI. In addition, the Institute aims to secure external research funding to grow its partnerships and research programmes aligned with national objectives articulated in the recently launched Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 Plan.
By integrating these strengths with expertise across economics, business, social sciences, law, accountancy and computing, LSEI creates a structured research agenda focused on the social, institutional and economic implications of longer life expectancy.
Noting that institutions need to keep pace with longer lifespans, SMU President Professor Lily Kong pointed out that 'a three-stage life – learn, earn, retire' no longer describes how most people actually live. "We have built systems that still treat later life primarily as a phase of care and cost; escalators move a little too fast; digital forms that assume one has an employer; font sizes no one quite asked for; and retirement policies written when 65 was considered a long life indeed," she observed in her speech.
"Taken together, they communicate something: the designed world could afford to catch up with the lived world. Many of us still adjust to the news that we are living to 90 – and indeed 100 – intending to remain very curious, productive and engaged for much of it. This is the gap that the LSEI that we are establishing today will help to close," she said.
Growth opportunities of the silver economy
The Interim Co-Directors of the new Institute are Dr Cheong Wei Yang, SMU Vice Provost (Strategic Research Partnerships) and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan. Dr Cheong served as Deputy Secretary for Technology at the Ministry of Health before joining SMU, and still serves concurrently as their Senior Advisor for Health Economics. Professor Straughan is also the Director of SMU's Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA).
Dr Cheong said the establishment of LSEI is vital to tackling the profound impact of population ageing, which has far-reaching economic consequences. "However, it also presents significant growth opportunities via the silver economy," he said. "We should not see ageing as only a cost, such as healthcare, but instead as an economic and social opportunity if we approach it as an integrated systems redesign. Through LSEI, SMU is taking a more strategic approach to understand these shifts, and work with partners to translate research into innovative solutions, to support a more resilient and inclusive society and economy in Singapore, and across Asian cities."
The Institute seeks to study longevity, not only from health and care perspectives, but also through the lens of labour productivity, purposeful engagement and economic impact. It also examines how businesses and the marketplace should respond, as well as the importance of mental, social and financial well-being, beyond physical health.
Two research pillars to address economic and social adaptation
LSEI's research agenda is organised around two core pillars:
- Building Longevity Economies examines how labour, markets, retirement systems and fiscal frameworks adapt to ageing populations. This includes workforce participation among older adults, employer practices and incentive structures, retirement adequacy, and market opportunities for the silver economy.
- Cultivating Holistic Well-being adopts a life-course approach that studies preventive health behaviours, financial preparedness, social participation and mental resilience shaping ageing outcomes. It focuses on how policies and community systems strengthen individual support across different stages of life.
Supporting these pillars are research efforts that examine legal, regulatory, technological and behavioural dimensions of longevity, including the adoption of digital and assistive technologies and the policy conditions for their responsible deployment.
New insights into retirement, social connection and quality of life
An example of ageing-related research in SMU is one highlighting the complexity of retirement transitions. Professor Straughan and her team's recent research on 'Retirement and its impact on the social connectivity of older adults in Singapore' finds that retirement reshapes social connections and sense of purpose differently for men and women.
Drawing data from over 10,000 adults aged 50 to 80, the study reveals that while social participation increases after retirement, retired men experience a more pronounced decline in meaning and contribution compared to retired women. The findings point to gaps in policy and community support system design, particularly in supporting male retirees' transition into later life.
Professor Straughan said that retirement represents a 'pivotal life course transition' which may also disrupt one's sense of identity and purpose, particularly within the Singapore context. Empirical evidence from ROSA's Singapore Life Panel shows retirement impacts different dimensions of older adults' social lives differently.
"While retirees report increased participation in activity and gendered expansions in different aspects of their social networks, they also experience a decline in perceived social contribution," she observed, adding that this points to an important area for intervention to help retirees find a sense of purpose in later life.
Partnerships to strengthen policy-practice integration
LSEI has also established strategic partnerships with five key stakeholders in government, community and private sectors, guided by our ambition in the SMU2030 Strategic Plan to deepen connections with government and industries to solve complex problems.
LSEI will work with the Agency for Integrated Care, Lions Befrienders, St Luke's ElderCare, Singlife and Workforce Singapore. The goals include conducting joint research and initiatives supporting community-based care and ageing outcome, holistic well-being and resilience, retirement readiness, and how to harness the talents of mature workers.
This will boost the feedback loop between evidence, implementation and social and economic institutional design.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
SMU launches Longevity Societies and Economies Institute to advance knowledge and innovation for Singapore's longevity transition
