A growing number of older Singaporeans take steps to safeguard their care and finances.
Since the government’s legacy planning campaign began in July 2023, over 230,000 Singaporeans aged 50 and older have completed a lasting power of attorney (LPA), allowing them to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. This includes those impacted by conditions such as dementia or illnesses that affect decision-making.
The Rise in Legacy Planning
The LPA is a legal document that empowers individuals to appoint a trusted person to manage decisions related to healthcare and finances if they become mentally incapacitated. The Singaporean government aims to encourage greater awareness of the importance of legacy planning, which also includes tools like wills, Central Provident Fund nominations, and advance care plans.
As of October 2024, the LPA initiative has exceeded expectations, with more than 233,000 people registering, surpassing the target of 240,000 by 2025. Additionally, over 50,000 advance care plans have been made since the campaign’s launch.
Addressing Misconceptions and Barriers
Despite the success, there are still misconceptions about the cost and accessibility of legacy planning, with some mistakenly believing that their next of kin can automatically act on their behalf without an LPA. The government plans to continue promoting these services and encourage younger Singaporeans to consider legacy planning.
A Personal Story of Legacy Planning
For Seline Cai, a 40-year-old mother of two, the death of her uncle in 2022 motivated her to initiate legacy planning for her family. As her uncle had not made any instructions regarding his care or funeral arrangements, the lack of clarity left the family in a state of uncertainty. This experience led Cai and her mother, Madam Chui Ah Loy, to complete their LPAs in 2023, ensuring they would avoid future conflicts regarding care decisions.
Madam Chui, 74, emphasized the peace of mind legacy planning brought her, stating that it would help prevent unnecessary family disputes and make things easier for her children.
With over 95% of LPA recipients choosing family members as their legal representatives, Singapore’s legacy planning efforts continue to gain momentum, helping older citizens and their families navigate challenging decisions with more certainty.
