Social isolation among seniors isn’t necessarily a result of living alone, says Karen Wee. The executive director of Lion Befrienders, a community-based eldercare organisation, adds that many who live with family members, interact with neighbours daily, or participate in community activities still feel unseen and unheard.
At its core, the problem is a loss of social connection. “It’s the feeling of not belonging, the lack of meaningful relationships, and the thought of not being valued by others,” Wee clarifies. Prior to assuming her current role in 2022, she held positions at the National Council of Social Service, National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, YMCA of Singapore, and Children’s Cancer Foundation following an earlier career as an auditor.
The issue is especially pressing in Singapore, as one in four citizens will be 65 and above by 2030. Established in 1995, Lion Befrienders runs a variety of services and programmes to help seniors age with dignity, purpose, and connection. Its active ageing centres serve as community spaces where seniors can stay physically active, socially connected, and mentally engaged through exercise, learning, and recreational and wellness activities.
Counselling services help seniors strengthen coping abilities as part of holistic ageing by supporting emotional resilience and mental well-being. In addition, community case management services and enhanced home personal care reduce unnecessary institutionalisation and enable seniors to age in place by providing care coordination, assistance with daily living, and support for frail seniors and those with complex needs.
The organisation has also leveraged technology to advance its cause. It introduced Nana, an AI-powered voice companion that checks in on seniors through regular conversations in vernacular languages such as Singlish and dialects. Besides providing companionship, reminders, and daily engagement, the platform also helps seniors feel noticed and remembered. This is in addition to I’M OK, a simple tablet-based system designed to bring peace of mind to individuals living alone. A single touch allows them to check in daily and access information, entertainment, and digital engagement.
Furthermore, the Our Kampung app helps seniors stay socially connected through activities, gamification, friendships, and interest-based communities as part of the organisation’s active ageing centres.
Wee notes that even though Lion Befrienders tracks outcomes such as reduced hospital admissions, improved well-being, and participation levels, the impact it creates cannot be fully measured in numbers.
“How do you quantify a senior saying, ‘Thank you for remembering me’ after years of feeling forgotten? This success isn’t any less real.”
Karen Wee on going beyond what numbers can measure
A key challenge for her is balancing ambition with sustainability. At times, this means prioritising resources, strengthening systems and governance, investing in staff well-being, or ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of quality or humanity. “I have learnt that leadership is also about pacing the organisation responsibly, so we can continue serving seniors well for many years to come,” Wee says.
She adds that while the government provides critical systems, policies, infrastructure, and long-term investment to make ageing-in-place sustainable and inclusive, Singapore’s approach is increasingly community-based and preventive in nature. Organisations such as Lion Befrienders help bring these policies to life within neighbourhoods, void decks, rental flats, homes, and everyday community spaces.
Wee believes a broader systemic shift is needed, specifically towards preventive and relationship-centred care. “Currently, we typically respond only when crises occur, such as severe loneliness, depression, hospitalisation, or caregiver burnout. However, social isolation develops quietly over time. The sooner we build relationships and social connectedness around seniors, the more likely we can prevent deeper issues later on.
“Ultimately, eldercare is not just about extending life, but also about enriching the quality of those years. This is a responsibility each of us can embrace and contribute to.”
Photography Mun Kong
Art direction Ed Harland
Hair Sarah Tan using Goldwell
Makeup Zhou Aiyi using YSL Beauty
Photography assistant Melvin Leong
