Singapore is one of the most sought-after destinations and one of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is a costly place, but that doesn’t stop people from going here for business or leisure. It’s known to be a clean and safe place, where even spitting chewing gum on the ground leads to a hefty fine.

Singapore is a unique country with a diverse population. The elderly population is one-fifth of the total population. Although the government has some restrictive laws and regulations, they are taking steps to provide for the needs of the Deaf elderly. This post will focus on aging and the Deaf community in Singapore.

Asia and the Culture of Aging

It’s no secret that Asia and the Pacific have the largest elderly demographic in the world. As of 2020, Population Trends reports that 13.6% of the population in Asia is 60 and over. People live longer because of culture, diet, and genetics. Among the fastest-aging countries are Japan and South Korea. The fertility rates are the lowest here, while other countries like Vietnam are experiencing slower population growth. 

An aging population is an achievement of the 20th century. It means that humans are doing something right. Yet, there are also a lot of downsides to an aging population. An aging society can impact economic growth because there aren’t enough young people in the workforce. Disadvantages of an aging population include increased economic costs, pressure on health services, competition for jobs, or decreased participation in the workforce due to fewer young people, potentially less funding for the younger generation.

The Culture of Aging

Photo by Tristan Le

In Asia, respecting elders is part of the culture. This idea is especially prevalent in countries that practice Buddhism. Filial piety is a virtue that encompasses respecting elders, from parents to ancestors. Therefore, the elderly are so revered in this part of the world that in some places, society puts more emphasis on building a more stable future for them and neglecting the younger demographic. 

How Asia Views Deafness

Deafness is viewed as a disability in technical terms both by society and the government. Even if the Deaf community doesn’t believe in that, they are a minority demographic. Being Deaf has negative implications and backlash, which leads to problems in integrating into society. The Deaf overcome a lot of barriers to live normally.

Sign Language in Singapore

The Deaf community has used Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) for around 60 years. It combines Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and Signing Exact English (SEE). Since Singapore’s independence in 1965, the deaf community continuously adapts to linguistic changes. 

The first Deaf school opened in 1954, and SgSL is in the education system. Despite the efforts to fully implement it into society, Singapore doesn’t officially recognize SgSL. Currently, the government is still studying the benefits of fully integrating it. 

Communication Barriers in Healthcare

The Deaf community is an overlooked minority. Even though the United Nations created an act that would protect people who are Deaf and other disabilities in all facets of life. In Singapore, the healthcare system neglects them because of communication.

One of the reasons SgSL is crucial in all public spaces is effective communication can sometimes mean life or death. In 2019, Asian Bioethics Review released an article about the healthcare system in Singapore. Good communication in healthcare is undoubtedly crucial. The doctor must understand the patient’s needs and symptoms for a diagnosis. If the medical staff has no cultural awareness or experience with the Deaf community, it is challenging to treat them. When you consider the elderly population, this is even more worrisome. Usually, people in old age need to have frequent doctor visits. They have a right to access healthcare without trouble but face barriers. 

Of course, there are ways to have external communication. Many patients will use phone apps to communicate with the doctor. Some also use writing as a mechanism to communicate with doctors during visits, but the majority of the aging population in the Deaf community is illiterate. Therefore, writing is not a guaranteed mode of communication because it can be unintelligible and cause even further misunderstandings.  

Though there are Sign Language interpreters, the problem in Singapore is they are untrained in medical settings. The lack of qualified interpreters in healthcare is detrimental to the Deaf community. It’s problematic because these patients lose their autonomy. The Deaf community is entitled to quality and accessible healthcare. The Singaporean government is responsible for providing and caring for its citizens. 

Access to Public Services

Photo by Kenny Foo

The availability of public services is a means of being part of society. It also means equal opportunity for a minority community. There are some prominent non-profits advocating for the Deaf community in Singapore. One such is the Singapore Association for the Deaf. It provides access to services for the community like employment, medical assistance, counseling, schooling, and volunteering experience. Medical assistance and volunteering are especially great for older Deaf people as they simplify doctor visits and social activities giving them a sense of community. 

Another notable one that works with people of all ages from youth programs to the aging population is TOUCH Silent Club. It’s a community service-based organization. One program, in particular, is made for senior citizens. This group has different parts including active aging, homecare, rehabilitation, and support for caregivers. All of these give elderly people access to be socially and physically active in their community, assistance with medical attention, and focus on their well-being as members of the Deaf population. We know from recent studies that being part of a minority community can be isolating. 

Technology

Technology for the Deaf includes hearing aids or phone applications used for emergency services and translation. For the younger generation, technology is second nature. Meanwhile, the elderly have trouble incorporating these things into their lives. 

Cochlear implants provide the Deaf with a sense of sound by directly stimulating the hearing nerves (cochlear implants). These help Deaf people integrate more into hearing society, making life easier. Advanced medical technology is what will propel the Deaf community forward. 

However, according to Effective Communication With Hearing Impaired Patients: An Approach For Family Physicians, A case study by Dr Tan Teck talks about the reasons elderly in Singapore are reluctant to have a hearing aid. For perhaps cultural reasons, there is a stigma associated with it. The cost outweighs the benefits of having one, and old age logic with believing they can cope with being Deaf. Fortunately, many companies are realizing the reservations of the elderly community to produce affordable hearing aids to match their needs. 

Singapore faces challenges in providing quality public services to its aging population and Deaf community. Effective communication is crucial, and recognizing Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and providing trained interpreters is essential. Additionally, the government must focus on improving the right policies and initiatives, so Singapore can become even better for its citizens.

For more on the Deaf community in Asia, visit https://unspokenasl.com/

Photo Credit to: Photo by Kin Pastor