Cover Chiu Jung Wang, chairperson, Taiwan Home Nursing (Photo: Renan Chung）
Chiu Jung Wang, chairperson, Taiwan Home Nursing (Photo: Renan Chung）
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Prioritising eldercare ensures a dignified life for the world’s ageing population
In How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, university dropout M (played by Thai superstar Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul) volunteers to care for his terminally ill Amah in the hopes of receiving an inheritance worth millions. The Thai drama, which has become a hit throughout Asia, brings attention to the issue of neglected elders in families—a more common issue than is often acknowledged.
According to the United Nations, the global population of people aged 60 and over will grow to 1.4 billion by 2030. The rising number of older adults increases the risk of elder abuse, which can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial and often stems from neglect. To raise awareness about the importance of protecting seniors, the UN has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
In the region, the eldercare leaders of Asia’s Most Influential have dedicated their work to caring for seniors and terminally ill patients. Through eldercare and palliative care facilities, they provide not only medical services but also emotional, mental and social support, allowing elders to live their lives as fully and comfortably as possible. Moreover, these public servants are raising awareness about eldercare, so that more people can help older adults live with dignity their entire lives.
Gerard Ee, chairman, Agency for Integrated Care (Singapore)
Above Gerard Ee, chairman, Agency for Integrated Care
Gerard Ee, chairman, Agency for Integrated Care
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As the chairman of the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Gerard Ee continues the legacy of service embodied by his father, the late Dr Ee Peng Liang, who was the founder of the Community Chest known as Singapore’s “father of charity”. Through AIC, the chairman raises the quality of care for the elderly, helping them live well and age gracefully. To support older adults, the agency reaches out to caregivers and seniors with information on staying active and ageing well, connects people to services they need, and works with health and social care partners to provide services for the ageing population.
In April 2024, AIC launched the Silver Guardian programme, a national volunteerism initiative that aims to place 2,400 volunteers at ageing centres by 2028. Under the programme, AIC will teach volunteers how to communicate and engage with seniors effectively and also assign them to ageing centres near their residences or workplaces. Silver Gaurdian also encourages seniors to volunteer and care for their peers so they can remain socially connected.
Chiu Jung Wang, chairperson, Taiwan Home Nursing (Taiwan)
Above Chiu Jung Wang, chairperson, Taiwan Home Nursing (Photo: Renan Chung)
Chiu Jung Wang, chairperson, Taiwan Home Nursing (Photo: Renan Chung)
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Working as a nurse for two decades, Chui Jung Wang witnessed the suffering people experienced at the end of their lives, bearing the burden of invasive treatments as they lay on hospital beds. “Their world only has a bed, a ceiling and a respirator,” she described to Tatler in a 2023 interview. In 1999, she set up a nursing home on the second floor of her apartment to care for patients who had been discharged from the hospital. Then, in 2018, in partnership with Netherlands-based healthcare organisation Buurtzorg, her mission of helping the elderly maintain dignity blossomed into Taiwan Home Nursing.
Today, Taiwan Home Nursing promotes the concept of ageing in place by providing long-term, home-based care to elders so they can maintain independence and lead fulfilling lives. The chairperson now leads the largest residential care facility in New Taipei, with over 470 employees, including nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists and administrative staff. “I feel that I have seen the light of day, so that they can return to their families, or even return to society, and I feel very excited and happy!” said Chiu Jung Wang of her work.
Read Chiu Jung Wang’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Tham SuMing, director of strategy and communications, Hospis Malaysia (Malaysia)
Above Tham SuMing, director of strategy and communications, Hospis Malaysia
Tham SuMing, director of strategy and communications, Hospis Malaysia
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Tham SuMing is the director of strategy and communications of Hospis Malaysia, the charitable organisation that provides palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, AIDS, organ failure or progressive neurological conditions, for free. Hospis Malaysia provides personalised home care services, first conducting assessments for new patients, covering emotional, psychological and social considerations, before deploying the best course for them and their families.
Apart from providing care, Hospis Malaysia works to increase awareness about palliative care, including what people with progressive illnesses need to live as comfortably as possible. In addition to conducting research, the organisation also offers educational programmes for medical, nursing and post-graduate students, training for palliative care specialists and regular workshops for the public.
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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