9 out of 10 seniors resilient, but many don't exercise

Nine out of 10 senior citizens are hardy enough to live independently, according to a survey of 2,558 old folk in Marine Parade.

But almost 400 of them show worrying signs of depression or dementia. A similar number also say they suffered a fall in the preceding 12 months.

Worse, more than half of these folk aged 60 and older confess they do not exercise.

These findings of a Health Ministry survey, done between March and June this year, were unveiled last night at a dialogue Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had with residents.

HARDY BUT...
Government survey of 2,600 elderly people in Marine Parade finds:
94.3% : Can live independently
71.4% : Do not need health or social services
94% : Have good relationship with family
78.4% : Suffer at least one chronic disease
52% : Do not exercise
15% : Fell in the last 12 months
14.6% : Show signs of depression or dementia
10.6% : Live alone
Source: Ministry of Health