Singapore’s Ageing Population Needs Greater Access to Podiatry Care
28 March 2025
By Mark Reyneker, B.T. Pod (SA), MSc (SA) Registered Podiatrist & Human Gait Specialist Founder / Clinical Director, Family Podiatry Centre
Singapore has reached a significant demographic milestone. As of March 2025, 1 in 5 Singaporeans is aged 65 or older, according to recent reports from the Department of Statistics, National Population and Talent Divison. This trend mirrors the broader ageing trajectory of many developed Asian nations—but for a compact and rapidly modernising city-state like Singapore, the implications are particularly urgent.
Understanding the Ageing Foot
- Corns and calluses: Caused by repeated friction and pressure, often due to ill-fitting shoes or altered gait patterns.
- Foot deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, and retracted toes can become more painful and pronounced with age.
- Arthritis: Degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis commonly affect the midfoot and big toe joints.
- Thinning fat pads: Loss of cushioning in the heels and balls of the feet leads to increased pressure and discomfort when walking.
- Balance issues and fall risk: Changes in sensation, muscle strength, and posture can increase the risk of falls—often starting from the feet up.
The Role of Podiatry in Ageing Populations
Podiatrists are uniquely positioned to:
- Prevent falls through biomechanical assessments, gait analysis, and balance-focused interventions
- Manage chronic pain caused by arthritis, deformities, and overuse conditions
- Provide routine foot care, such as nail and skin treatments, which become difficult for seniors with reduced flexibility or vision
- Recommend and fit proper footwear to reduce pressure and improve support
- Prescribe custom orthotics for foot and leg alignment, offloading pressure, and enhancing comfort
Why Access to Private Podiatry Matters
Private clinics also allow for more personalised care, longer consultations, and follow-up strategies that support mobility, independence, and dignity in older adults.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
We encourage caregivers, family members, and seniors themselves to pay attention to foot health and to seek early intervention. Podiatry is not just for athletes or diabetics—it is a critical tool in promoting healthy ageing.
If you're over 60 and starting to notice changes in your feet or walking pattern, consider seeing a podiatrist. Early care can prevent complications, improve comfort, and help you stay active longer.
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Disclaimer: The word "treatment" in this article refers to the care and management of a patient’s health to prevent, cure, or improve a condition. Treatment results vary and do not necessarily indicate a cure. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
About the author
Mark Reyneker is a podiatrist and human gait specialist with 8 years of training and over 25 years of clinical experience. He is the Founder and Clinical Director of Family Podiatry Centre and has a Bachelors degree in Podiatric Medicine and a Master’s degree in paleoanthropology, with research focused on human foot function and metatarsal loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Falls are a significant health concern for the elderly, often leading to severe fractures and a loss of independence. Podiatrists play a crucial role in fall prevention by assessing a senior's walking pattern (gait) and lower limb biomechanics. They can prescribe custom orthotics to improve balance, recommend appropriate supportive footwear, and provide exercises to strengthen the ankles and feet, significantly reducing the risk of a fall.
The frequency of visits depends on the individual's overall health and specific foot conditions. For seniors with diabetes or severe vascular issues, a check-up every 3 to 6 months is highly recommended. For general maintenance, such as managing difficult-to-cut nails or monitoring minor calluses, visiting a podiatrist once or twice a year is a proactive way to maintain optimal foot health and mobility.
Yes, it is absolutely essential. Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation in the lower limbs, meaning a senior might not feel a cut or blister on their foot. Without prompt professional care, these minor injuries can quickly develop into severe ulcers or infections. Podiatrists provide crucial diabetic foot screenings and maintenance to prevent these dangerous complications.
