I recently had a conversation with a Christian leader from the eldercare sector. We talked about a large number of topics related to aging in Singapore ranging from government measures and social sector initiatives, to church efforts to address eldercare concerns. He said something that caught my attention—it was loneliness and isolation, not dementia, that was the top public health challenge for the aging population in Singapore.
The mention of loneliness and social isolation reminded me of seniors living comfortably in affluent neighbourhoods but cut off from regular social interaction and spiritual communities. It also reminded me of the COVID-19 days when migrant workers were confined in their dormitories for many months, unable to work, with only limited access to social interactions and mental health support.
At other fronts, I often hear about isolation and invisibility amongst female domestic workers, caregivers of aging seniors, homeless individuals, ex-offenders, persons with disabilities, hikikomori youths, and so on.
As one who by nature values seclusion, I truly enjoy time away from crowds. Isolation and invisibility are to me ‘happy time’ and ‘comfort space.’ While, for others, COVID-19 confinement was likened to being in a prison cell, it was for me like being in my inventor’s cave.
For the individuals listed above, however, the nature of isolation and invisibility they experience often comes with a profound sense of loneliness and distancing from needed support. If prolonged and persistent, this hidden predicament can erode their sense of self-worth, leading to meaninglessness and despair.
An ongoing initiative that resonates deeply with the themes of isolation and invisibility is The Invisible People children’s books series by SBC alumna Ames Chen.* Through stories of domestic workers, migrant workers, elderly cleaners, and others often overlooked, the series has not only inspired advocacy among children, parents, and schools—it has also sparked many acts of kindness and empathy that challenge societal detachment.
Ames Chen’s children’s book series is one amongst other ‘upstream’ (addressing the source of the issues) and ‘downstream’ (addressing the issues themselves) initiatives that have made a difference to the vulnerable in society. Yet, there are still many among us who remain under the radar. What will you or your church community do to address isolation and invisibility amongst the vulnerable in Singapore?
On our part, SBC will be actively looking to address issues of ageing, dying, and hope in 2025. We will be launching a series of educational and practical ministry initiatives to support churches and Christian organizations serving a rapidly ageing population. Will you pray with us as we journey to raise awareness and inspire action, shining God’s light on the invisible and addressing isolation among vulnerable seniors in Singapore?
