WHAT CAN BE DONE
If older men experience emotional distress differently, experts said support must also be offered differently.
The pattern is reflected in SOS’s data. While women accounted for about one-third of suicide deaths in 2024, they made up 62.5 per cent of suicide-related calls and texts received by the organisation.
SUSS’ Dr Ko said outreach efforts should be designed around how men naturally build relationships.
“Women talk face to face but men talk shoulder to shoulder,” she said, explaining that men often connect through shared activities rather than conversations.
Rather than expecting men to join traditional support groups, she said programmes centred on practical activities may feel more natural, allowing friendships and trust to develop over time.
Dr Ko pointed to the Men’s Shed model as an example where older men meet regularly to work on practical projects and spend time together.
She said similar approaches could help reduce loneliness by creating opportunities for men to connect in ways they find more comfortable.
Ms Jennie Wan, director of mental health at Montfort Care, said her organisation has found that activity-based and skills-based programmes such as bike repair, carpentry workshops and social darts resonate more with older men.
“These give older men the chance to learn or apply practical skills, stay active, and share their knowledge and experience with others, including opportunities to mentor younger community members,” said Ms Wan.
“What we noticed is that engagement improves significantly when men feel they’re contributing rather than simply receiving help. It gives them a sense of purpose and camaraderie, which makes them far more likely to keep coming back.”
Beyond community programmes, families also have a role to play.
Families should recognise that an ageing father or grandfather can feel profoundly lonely even when he is surrounded by people, said Gleneagles’ Dr Lim.
“Reaching him may require patience rather than interrogation, and empathy rather than immediate advice,” he said.
“Take the time to draw him into conversation, understand what he has lost, and help him feel that he remains valued, needed and connected to the family.”
Looking back, Joseph believes seniors need more reasons to stay engaged with life.
“You have to keep yourself busy,” he said. “You have to walk around, mix around friends … you explore, you meet new people.”
Where to get help:
National mental health helpline: 1771
24-hour CareText: 9151 1767
Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767
Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019
You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.