Why undetected deaths among senior citizens are rising in Singapore

Singapore is expected to become a super-aged society in 2026, when at least 21 per cent of its population will be aged 65 and above.

Figures compiled by the social service agency Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre from media reports show that at least 33 seniors died alone and were not discovered for some time in 2025. In 2024, there were at least 42 such cases. The police do not keep official statistics on undetected deaths, according to a parliamentary reply in 2024.

One widely reported case occurred in Jurong East in 2024, when the decomposing body of an 80-year-old woman was found in her flat after neighbours complained of a strong smell. Her husband was hospitalised at the time of her death.

The number of seniors living alone has also risen in the country. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament that about 87,000 residents aged 65 and above were living alone in 2024, a 50 per cent increase from 58,000 in 2018.

Social service agencies say isolation is a key factor. Elaine Ho, head of community health at Loving Heart, said some seniors avoid social interaction, stop going out and gradually experience declining health.

To address the problem, community groups are expanding befriending and outreach programmes. Loving Heart plans to launch a “No More Undetected Deaths” project in early 2026, using trained volunteers to regularly check on vulnerable seniors living alone in Jurong East.

The initiative will begin with two housing blocks in Yuhua and aims to eventually support up to 400 seniors. Volunteers will be trained to build relationships, identify warning signs and link seniors to appropriate support.

Ong has said such befriending programmes are essential to preventing seniors from dying alone at home, adding that outreach efforts by grassroots volunteers, active ageing centres and government agencies will continue to be strengthened.