Initiative to Involve Elders in Micro-Tasks to Go Nationwide by End-2026

Why It Matters

The initiative demonstrates how active‑ageing policies can simultaneously address senior isolation and community service gaps, offering a replicable template for aging societies worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Nationwide rollout of senior micro‑task program by end‑2026
• Seniors earn $2 per hour while delivering groceries, restocking fridges
• Over 1,400 seniors completed 30,000 tasks in two‑year pilot
• New community app will coordinate tasks, helpers, and payouts
• Expansion adds 20 constituencies, including Mountbatten, with ambassador mentors

Summary

Singapore’s People’s Association is scaling its “Neighbourhood Kakis” initiative, which enlists seniors to perform one‑hour micro‑tasks such as grocery deliveries and community‑fridge restocking, to a nationwide rollout by the end of 2026 after a two‑year pilot.

The pilot saw more than 1,400 older volunteers complete over 30,000 tasks, with participants like 65‑year‑old Ung Poh Chu earning a modest $2 per task and reporting renewed purpose. The program will expand to 20 additional constituencies, launch a dedicated mobile app to match tasks with volunteers, and appoint local ambassadors to mentor newcomers.

Deputy Chairman Edwin Tong emphasized the shift from viewing seniors as recipients to contributors, noting that their skills and stories enrich communities. He unveiled the expansion in Mountbatten, alongside plans for senior‑friendly fitness facilities and inclusive sports programs.

If successful, the scheme could provide a scalable model for active ageing, reduce social isolation, and supplement community services while tapping an underutilized labor pool as Singapore’s population ages toward one‑in‑five residents over 65.

Original Description

A ground-up initiative to get seniors to do micro-tasks in the community will be rolled out nationwide by the end of the year, following a successful pilot. Such tasks include distributing groceries to low-income families and restocking community fridges. The Neighbourhood Kakis programme aims to keep seniors active and engaged. Nikhil Khattar with more.