Budget 2026 debate: Alex Yeo on adapting policies for seniors’ evolving needs

As Singapore’s population ages and seniors’ needs become more varied and complex, policies must evolve with greater clarity and foresight, said MP Alex Yeo. He asked the government to consider reclassifying seniors as a separate category for subsidy mechanisms, as the current means testing regime disproportionately affects retired seniors living in homes with higher annual value. With more and more seniors living alone, he also suggested empowering the Public Guardian to intervene directly where necessary, to manage their assets or order the administration of care. Mr Yeo spoke in parliament on Thursday (Feb 26).