The SMU Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) published a series of research briefs that examined the importance of social integration for well-being among older adults across several contexts, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of their political participation, and finally in terms of their social networks. According to SMU Dean of Students, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director of ROSA Paulin Straughan, “The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the fear and anxiety of individuals towards health, livelihoods and how we go about our daily activities. As we move forward into phase 3 of Singapore’s recovery, we must do all that we can to reassure older adults and not leave them behind in our transition to a new normal. This can be achieved by promoting the well-being of our seniors and sustaining their meaningful engagement in the community.”
