SINGAPORE – More seniors have called a helpline in the past two years to seek comfort and assistance for their loneliness, anxiety and emotional distress.

The Aces Care HelpLife was launched in 2022 to help the elderly meet a number of challenges, from fixing lightbulbs and leaky pipes to getting someone to accompany them to medical appointments.

But the charity that runs the helpline has noticed a steady increase in the number of seniors calling over issues related to mental health, it told The Straits Times.

“Many elderly individuals live in isolation, which often leads to emotional distress, loneliness and early signs of depression. They experience anxiety, emotional distress, or even suicidal thoughts,” Aces Care centre director Loh Wee Hiang said.

“Often, they just need someone to talk to. Our volunteers, trained in basic counselling, provide empathetic support and a listening ear,” he added.

The helpline also refers callers to other agencies like the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) if they feel more specialised care is needed.

In more severe cases, like when a caller expresses suicidal thoughts, the team refers them to contact professional counselling hotlines such as the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and the Care Corner Counselling Hotline.

“Our team takes each case seriously and ensures that follow-up support is provided until the senior receives the help they need,” Mr Loh told The Straits Times.

Madam Azizah Abdul Rahim, who started volunteering with the helpline in 2023, said she recently encountered a senior who was under a lot of stress from caregiving for her own elderly parents.

The woman needed help transporting her ill parents to and from medical check-ups but had limited funds. Madam Azizah referred her to AIC for support.

“She was happy to know there was a place she could turn to,” she said.

“Usually, seniors just need a listening ear to share their problems. Some are very depressed and face family issues but don’t know where to turn for help,” she added.

The helpline has received a total of 7,144 calls since it was launched in...