Tuesday, 24 February 2015

The Straits Times

This was a report on the launch of the Next Age Institute (NAI), an academic partnership between the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), which was graced by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower. It will tackle social issues arising from an ageing population, such as intergenerational relationships and financial adequacy. Its research includes disciplines like social work, economics, law, medicine, engineering and architecture.

Helmed by Associate Professor Chia Ngee Choon and Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Professor Michael Sherraden from WUSTL, who is also the S R Nathan Professor at the NUS Department of Social Work, the NAI will begin a pilot study on care services for elderly patients who have been hospitalised for serious conditions, such as stroke and hip fractures, and the care they receive after discharge. The research, involving 30 families, will look into the possibility of conducting a one-year longitudinal study to track the caregiving support for seniors and their family members. The institute will also embark on other research projects, including studying options for financing retirement needs.