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Sunday, 05 Apr, 2026

From dreams to duty: A woman’s caregiving journey after her husband’s stroke upends retirement plans

The Straits Times

Moonlit walks by East Coast Park and months-long overseas trips were what Madam Helene Ong, 76, thought retirement life with her husband David Tan, 77, would be like.

But they had to swop the beach strolls for medical appointments and holiday travels for hospital stays, after Mr Tan suffered a stroke in January 2025.

Hearing stories from fellow caregivers helped Madam Ong feel she was not alone.

A 2023 Duke-NUS study found that the average age of caregivers for older adults aged 75 and above was 62 years old. Researchers said these caregivers’ health issues may make them more vulnerable to the challenges and stresses that come with caregiving.

Read the full article here. 

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