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Research: Men who live alone more at risk of being socially disconnected
The Straits Times|July 09, 2023
Focus help on such people, as well as on older adults in poor health living with family: Study
- Chin Soo Fang
Research: Men who live alone more at risk of being socially disconnected

Retired cleaner Wang Jee Kim lives alone in a two-room rental flat in Marine Parade.

The 69-year-old bachelor spends his days watching television, walking around the neighbourhood and talking to his few friends at the void deck or community garden.

About two years ago, he was befriended by the staff at the nearby Montfort Care GoodLife! centre, where he spends about 30 minutes on weekdays having his blood pressure checked and reading newspapers.

"I prefer to lead a quiet life and don't like to go to noisy places or join rowdy activities," said Mr Wang, who has hypertension and feels breathless easily.

Mr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rayman, 65, joined TOUCHPoint @ Yishun 436, under Touch Community Services, in June 2022.

The former drug addict, who is divorced, has been in and out of prison many times.

He was released from prison in 2022, and lives with his brother in a one-room flat in Yishun. However, they are not on good terms, and he feels as if he is living alone.

The unemployed man also suffers from hypertension and diabetes.

"I was able to press on despite my financial problems and strained relationship with my brother, with the support of the Touch team," he said. "I also participate in the centre's events occasionally, depending on my health condition."

Living alone is a risk factor for social disconnection, according to a recent National University of Singapore (NUS) study.

This story is from the July 09, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the July 09, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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