Can We Prevent Lonely Deaths In Singapore? | Dead Alone In Singapore - Part 3/3 | Full Episode

Trauma cleaner Rahman Razali and fourth-generation funeral director Jack Lee use TikTok to highlight the issue of those who die alone. Their viral videos aim to raise awareness, encourage donations for funeral costs, and promote vigilance and compassion within our communities.
65-year-old Heng Aik Min, serves as a stark reminder of the isolation many elderly individuals face. Living alone with no next of kin, he volunteers his time to send off others who have died alone, exemplifying the loneliness and selflessness that define his twilight years.
Eldercare programme executive Linda Tan ensures Mr Ho, who was alone in life, is not alone in death, with the help of her volunteers. Through the work of afterlife service providers and the experiences of lonely individuals, this episode explores how everyone can play a part in preventing undetected deaths.
WATCH MORE Dead Alone In Singapore
Part 1: • Living & Dying Alone I...
Part 2: • What Happens After Som...
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About the show: Lonely death looks to be a growing phenomenon here in Singapore. We speak to those living alone, to those impact by such tragic deaths and those who deal with the aftermath of theses deaths.
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[@gemgal68]

The lady who went through 2 deaths within a few short months... her husband's and her uncle's... really hard on her 😢

[@lin2607]

People who involved in this service industries...I truly respect them❤

[@oldbutbold]

To the niece, I wish to say, don't feel bad or regretful. You were the only one checking up on your uncle, and you yourself were grieving over a personal loss. It was completely understandable that you may not be in the right frame of mind yet.

[@evolution8662]

Yess exactly you are right........

[@wongxinhao1996]

Uncle Heng is so positive about his circumstance as a stage 3 cancer patient, and gives back by volunteering at Cheng Hong to help people who are like him.

[@petitnoni]

I bawled the part when the volunteers sent uncle Ho off and they were so calm so uncle Ho can leave in peace.I could never do what they do. Amazing heart and dedication Cheng Hong volunteers.

[@ingenuity296]

Bless Cheng Hong ❤❤❤

[@evolution8662]

Maybe thats bcos the volunteers are not related to the deceased........

[@petitnoni]

@@evolution8662 thats what I meant, unrelated and yet I would full of emotions. Even watching this, I bawled,

[@evolution8662]

@@petitnoni Oic..its ok are you a emotional person..??

[@BlueSkyCountry]

"Emotional" people are also the most false and conniving as they usually try to make everybody aware of how "emotional" they are to get that attention.

[@focus168168]

Rahman and the fellow unsung heroes deserve to be mentioned at this year's NDP rally! Their contributions to our nation are truly heartwarming and immeasurable. These individuals bring a much-needed soft and compassionate touch to the entire national machinery, embodying the spirit of our country's progress and unity.

[@bobafett5757]

*Well done CNA Insider this is brilliant documentary and am sure along the road in years to come the number of dying alone will increase in SG*

[@moonrei69]

The Cheng Hong volunteers are incredible ! Real heroes.

[@jingchentan1427]

Really love the character of Mr Heng! ❤ Receiving the love and also giving back

[@hendyhew]

Really appreciate and respect these people who want to care for other who they don't even know. May God bless everyone involve.

[@lengho6294]

Good to see the young funeral directors r so caring tw the elderly

[@amontano7644]

Jack is such a mature & sensible young man. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have more youngsters like him!

[@jesselynliau9639]

Such an excellent series! Appreciate all the hard work! Thank you for raising the awareness on this dying alone phenomenon.

[@shadowhunter9401]

Extremely insightful. Thank you for making the community and society into a greater place.

[@disneytok]

Singapore has built a great society full of compassion for their less fortunate members. Well done

[@lengho6294]

Volunteers I respect u

[@HBJaneALT]

Thank you CNA for covering this topic. I knew of such trend in Japan and South Korea but did not realize that it is also an emerging trend in SG. It is still at an early stage and the work that many including Cheng Hong, Affinity and DDQ teams do are noble work. I admire Mr Heng who became a volunteer, not just a member of Cheng Hong, despite his health conditions. He is also thoughful of how he can make it easier for people to check on him. This program creates awareness of a real situation in our midst. Hopefully with this awareness, our hearts can be touched to nurture more relationships in our lives and show care to people around us. It takes effort and we may hurt each other unintentionally but maybe we can learn to accept and forgive. Human life is valuable, and good relationship is worth the effort.

[@emilyhogan3197]

This is a beautiful documentary and a documentary all should see.Respect to all who are involved in this calling. God bless them and their family.

[@WillyYoung-hx5jq]

Depression is a world wide concern. people are pushed to their limit like in South Korea, Japan.

[@louiselai6289]

life....is so hard for the lady that had lost both her husband and her uncle within such a short time. I hope that she will find solace and courage to move on.🙏

[@syl-dr1re]

Very good service by Cheng Hong volunteers!!!!🙏

[@youtuberrei]

33:22 that弥勒佛! when I saw them collecting donations from that drawer I couldn't describe how I felt...*got goosebumps* I once passed by and make a small donation, now to see these gifts passed on to these charities in act in this video..🙏🏻💝

[@reuby6726]

All I can say after watching all 3 ep, the modern world really has teared us apart in terms of community anywhere and everywhere

[@lennyhardi3760]

I agree with you, the whole world are facing the same situation. Adding nowadays yong people more and more choosing not to married anymore. Leaders and government of the world have to open their eyes, look into this matter seriously, why this thing start happening worldwide. Ther must be something wrong with us human or our society. Nowadays people more and more stressful and not feel happy. This trend will keep increase in the future...

[@reuby6726]

@@lennyhardi3760 Yeah it will get worse int he future eventually, the whole world birth rate is plummeting like no tomorrow and if this continues by 2100 half the world's population is halved Include the modern lifestyle, kids and teens never interact socially with always on their smartphone etc paired together with young adults work life and stress not enough time spent with family or even friends

[@BlueSkyCountry]

It's by design and there is nothing you can do. The volunteers in this video may just prolong their community for a short while. Then they will grow old themselves and their children may not have any interest in volunteering, or they may not even have children, and the program will be a faded memory in just another decade.

[@Sunnyside45335]

Brilliant documentary!

[@rockytan6204]

This is a sad situation but sort of becoming the trend due to many single elderly persons living alone with no family members or they don't want to stay connected. Even those with children may not want to take care of these elderly due to their own family commitments. Social welfare organizations and government seriously need to look into this and do something.

[@maypong2007]

Not all elderly is fortunate As much as we can we have to take care of our own parents My mum’s neighbors are my best friends

[@genietakewaka7729]

Hello I am a female senior also from Singapore. I had heard of a single middle aged man, in his late 40s , seemly in the pink 🩷 of health died in the comfort of his 3 room flat. He was discovered by the neighbors when the stench lingered in the air. This happened in 2018 in Jalan Besar HDB😢😢.

[@songvang6387]

God bless you all for all you do!l Especially Cheng Hong staff❤❤

[@nurmc5467]

Very good documentary. Definitely put you to think. Blessings for all those organizations and companies providing this service.

[@郑小七]

feel so sad for the elders, hope the Govement will be doing something, to solve this repeated incident.. GOD Bless singapore and the elders

[@BlueSkyCountry]

There will always be people who do not want help from anyone and it is best to leave them alone.

[@chaihoonlim9875]

Appreciate this moving video which is on par to 5 Star grade in creating best awareness of afterlife plans and preparation. Unspoken thanks to Ms. Linda Tan and the rest of the crews, you touch me much!

[@ava999]

很现实的社会问题，感恩有你们这群那么有爱心的人的付出才能让他们走的不孤单。

[@Aurica34]

This is so difficult to watch. You can't help but feel very bad for these old folks that passed away alone :(

[@janeloh2952]

Thank you CNA Insider for the documentary and the non profit volunteer organisation and the others who render help for the elderly needy folks……..To educate and empower us to change our mindset on our graying population in SG……To reach out and lookout for each other …….. Fighting SG ….

[@BlueSkyCountry]

You also have to realize that some folks are extremely stubborn and will not accept help and it is best to just leave them alone.

[@zaizaimum5575]

Brilliant and insightful series. Well done CNA and the people who has been supporting this good cause.

[@winong81]

Good documentary, can’t help but be touched .

[@sunofwinter888]

I respect the volunteers.

[@harleyqueen3968]

Perhaps if everybody should care or check the neighbor next door . it could prevent this problem. Be good and friendly to your neighbor next door. Everybody will be happy and peaceful.❤

[@Yongfifi]

Well done CNA for raising the awareness and hopefully more people can come forward and care for the alone elderly around them whenever possible. I hope the new government come launch something national wide to care for these vulnerable old folks as the current support maybe lacking from just Cheng Hong and their working partners featured in these videos. Thanks to all these self less organizations. Great jobs and appreciate. ❤❤

[@lisazheng7141]

Singaporeans with the leadership of our government should organize voluntary groups to get in touch with persons living alone, periodically. The government could also give assistance to them.

[@rohania.b1855]

This is a very touching and meaningful documentary. Please, can we request for Part 4 ? Thank you very much, CNA 💜

[@eddiensw]

Thank you for this series. I use to think "life is like that one" but this series offer another perspective that we as family..fren .. neighbour..can play a part to check on one another. I hope Esther can get a closure on this..pls take care of one another

[@daddyraffles7083]

A awesome series by CNA insider 👍 This series is a excellent awareness to everybody and government to create a more excellent policies for citizens

[@siangjamchi5194]

Utmost respect for all people involved in this community services at all levels. Happy for Singaporean. I am quite sure Malaysia too do have such services but the biggest problem is where to look up for them. Malaysia should do more on such awareness.

[@tg988]

Singapore is fast catching up with Japan on lonely death. Both are affluent nations, both having high cost of living.

[@vinnysing1324]

South Korea too

[@jojojo89517]

I have nothing but the outmost respect for Cheng Hong and Affinity. It's a difficult situation. I think there is a deeper cultural issue too. From young, we're fed this narrative that blood is thicker than water. That is why society is too quick to judge the family and children as unfilial. Human emotions and relationships aren't that simple tho. Sharing a higher percentage of your genetic material with someone else isn't concrete enough to overcome some misunderstandings and disputes. But it is heartwarming to see that there are people donating and that they are services sending people off with dignity.

[@AlvinThong-e3o]

I am really appreciative of Ms Linda Tan and the staff of Cheng Hong for all that they have done for the deceased. May you be blessed for the deep kindness which words cannot express!

[@susantan3242]

Respect n gratitude to thes trauma cleaners n Cheng Hong for their invaluable service to e elderlies!! Huge thank you!!

[@StellaT1]

Meaningful documentary series! Thank you for raising awareness

[@John-kv2ec]

Moral of Story : Live life well as your own . Don't rely on anyone that promise to take care of u

[@joyfoo3214]

Deepest respect to the many Unsung heroes.

[@arickohyongenbeaconprisch4137]

I feel very bad for the lady because her husband passed away then her uncle passed away just after

[@cherryripe1139]

Thank you. A Brilliant 3 part series

[@jameskong7704]

Great job CNA! An exceptional documentary for everyone reflecting their own lives and preparation for our short life span on earth. To all social workers and companies providing the last rite services , kowtow to you all!

[@momiloveyou5927]

i knew i be lonely death one day, no family , live alone ,no friends, sad but that's reality

[@tankman20064]

Maybe it's your personality. Got one song say it's ugly

[@tankman20064]

Gillette - Mr Personality nice song for you.

[@fion3943]

Take steps to prepare for it, like living in a care home or have volunteers visit you on the regular. Build your support networks, we always have to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

[@RamlahAwang-f6b]

CNA is the best. I love to watch cna many knowledge and useful there are true story.

[@mrszara10]

deeply touched by this documentary..well done cna..thank you for the awareness

[@Lily-mf7zn]

Cheng Hong is doing an awesome work helping those who are alone and talking cause of their cremation and burial. So grateful that there are people who care! Just one thing I would like to mention - How about scattering the deceased’s ashes on the sea instead of lowering the whole urn and red cloth? We need to save the environment that is in dire straits.

[@xingzhaolin310]

I've lost my dad this March and it's been awful, but at least mine passed at his home, and I was there holding his hand. I feel so sorry for everyone that has to die alone, far from family or at least friends :(

[@vinnysing1324]

Not for me. I want to die in a quiet , peaceful way, no one surrounding me crying and talking that disturb my passing away.

[@xingzhaolin310]

@@vinnysing1324 Hahaha, I guess I know the feeling, Wouldn't want to be disturbed on my last moments either but then again, wouldn't want to be completely alone either.

[@myrs4]

This topic popped up in my head 4 days ago, but i did not do any search for it. So happened, i was browsing a few local news channels (on YT) to find out more about the MRT disruption (Sep 2024), and this video series was amongst the recommended. So coincidental... A big Thank You to the social workers and those who work in the related industries!

[@AlvinThong-e3o]

Ms Linda Tan and staff of Cheng Hong, I truly respect you and your colleagues for your kindness in helping the seniors who are living alone in Singapore. I hope that SgActive will work well with Cheng Hong so that more old and lonely seniors can live and depart with dignity!❤

[@sngjoolian]

Singapore govt had done a great job SGO always checked on those who lived alone

[@judymckee5992]

I lived in the UK now and we can buy a 60+ community condo for 75k pound. They have a manager who is on duty to call the emergency for u with a press of a button. Every month it cost 300 pounds, 165 for council tax and 120 for utilities. Food u have to cook or cater yourself. When the time comes , I will sell my house and lived in that complex as u will have friends. watch TV or play cards in the lounge area., it is super nice . They have 1 bedroom or 2 bedrooms condo and also have 2 guest rooms for your guest to stay for a small fee.

[@lennyhardi3760]

Lucky you in UK...best of luck for you in the future. BBU...

[@judymckee5992]

@@lennyhardi3760 , I understand that there is a project in Negri sembilan , Malaysia

[@haneefa2143]

So good documentary. I love the way you respect the dead and also his religion. So much respectuf! It is a blessing. Wachting from Belgium 🇧🇪

[@jeffseah397]

Our gov should allow this amount for last funeral to be paid by our CPF,is not a hugh amount and everybody when pass on confirm got money inside their CPF,since the deceased not able to use it anymore,why not let him/her to decide on this amount to be taken from CPF as is their hard earn money

[@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14]

trauma cleaners tough work. Get the chance to watch the cleaning scene.

[@rumahfifi]

Not only hapoened in singapore Its happened in indonesia too Many cases of it

[@erth2877]

Thanks for the upload.. appreciate it..

[@dannydd]

Most old people have a good chance of dying alone. It's not unusual in the modern world.

[@sufen712]

It's never easy taking care of the elderly. There will always be sudden emergencies to send the person to the hospital. This will happen for many years. In and out of the hospital. Then , eventually the old person died. I told my husband if 小病，small illness, self medicate. If 大病, serious illness, just do not treat. Hopefully it gets worse and life will just end. This is my wish.

[@moonhmy5517]

Well done, CNA. I hope you can show some behind the scenes, like how the camera film at the cleaning.

[@najeehaamid5194]

The trauma cleaning guy was traumatised to carry on doing the trauma cleaning, bless your good heart and thank you for your bravery and dedicated work. ❤

[@conniechan4576]

新加坡人的福气，感恩有你们。

[@ceciliangwhng1915]

Thank you for all who had done in the aftermath. Herein I hope this topic n encourage to rally on Living Solo and dying alone.

[@sarahkhan2310]

They are Avalokitesvara at work. The hands that serve feed help rescue comfort love are far better than the hands that pray👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@leowtaimeng811]

Truly sad situation

[@bobafett5757]

So whats the solution ?

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

There is no instant, snap solution. It can only be something that each and every person has to make an effort for. That we talk to our neighbours, young or old. Get to know people so you don't have to wait for them to rot before you notice their absence. And make that effort for our families. We are so much less tolerant of each other in the name of of self gratification. But if this happens it's too late to feel regret. We each have a responsibility and cannot expect a government or charity to fix it all.

[@areebachewa8318]

In the state they have center for elderly people to mingle with friends to learn new project from computer, arts, language and have the center have the transportation to bring them there...They have to register and the center will keep track of them hopefully this will help the Korean, the Japanese and the Singaporean to help these elderly people who are living alone

[@TaiTai_Bun]

There are such activities in Singapore too. It is just that some elderlies choose not to participate in.

[@lengho6294]

Make sure u disinfect whatever rings u r wearing too while doing cleaning. Yes, we must think of a way to keep an eye on this type of lonely people. Do u think each block should hv a elderly or fam caring committees to take turn to visit these elderly within their block.

[@atreasurehunter]

感谢录制这个节目

[@user-cw4mf1ub9n]

Another great documentary from CNA. One glaring point is that we are still relying on 2018 HDB statistics - why don't we have 2023 data? And why are these survey not being done more frequently?

[@jaytso1883]

Why not look toward technology. For example a "bracelet device" that is worn on the elderly wrist monitoring his pulse real time. And when the sensed pulse stops, an alarm is sent real time to a monitoring station. Even if death cannot be prevented, at least it can be detected.

[@winsee4551]

I sincerely hope our govt or some relevant agency could come out with some device that could enable those living alone to make an emergency push button call or even a kind of simple app that the elderly could use daily to activate daily his presence once in the morning and another one before he sleeps. In that way , in the event that he or she did not activate the app presence, his family member will be alert to this app and in turn his immediate family will visit him sooner rather than later. It could be also be handle by an agency with a small fees or could be supported by the govt for those without immediate families.

[@jessief4609]

Really wonder where are his family members and are they aware of his demise..

[@lazyjane1223]

Why do you make it the whole responsibility and burden of the family members? Ever wondered it could go both ways? they may have been a shitty parent and the children want nothing to do with them.

[@Sukali84]

tbh I worry I might end up dying alone in the future too, due to my anti social attitude...

[@JeffreyMaldonado-mi8ne]

MY QUESTION IS, ¿WHO WANTS TO DIE WITH YOU? EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THIS WORLD; GO TO DIE ALONE EVERYBODY COME ALONE AND GO ALONE! THANK YOU FOR SHARE WITH US THIS VIDEO NO MATTER HOW MUCH PEOPLE IS AROUND THE DEAD BODY HE DIE ALONE!

[@piafokking]

my father lived in a elderly persons flat. every night before going to sleep they had to put a divce under their door to be seen from the corridorsside. when someone did not place this item the caretaker assumed there could be something wrong. and stayed until there was given an answer. so no one gets the chance to die alone and decompose.

[@Cutenessapproved]

Even living alone the kids at least should call once a day. If the body can decompose for weeks that means nobody checked on them. My mil took care of her 100plus year old mum, didn't live together but called everyday.

[@marvelcomiks8078]

80% of these 37 have someone in contact with them. Yet when they died, nobody knew until a few days later when their bodies rotted and the odor started emanating. So, unless you have someone actively staying with you, there is no way how anyone else outside of your home would know that you have died. Why would anyone kaypo and call you everyday right? And even if you don't answer the phone, it does not mean they should go over to your place to check up on you on the same day. So...BY the time you died...it would just be you with maggots.

[@vinnysing1324]

Social organization can Install intercom device in the flat, need any help just press button to contact the social worker

[@marvelcomiks8078]

@@vinnysing1324 If you place the button in a very convenient place, the button will be 'accidentally' pressed from time to time. So, you are assuming you will be well enough or able to walk to the button and press it before you collapse or fall from fainting or slipping..

[@Jeb9221]

I hope Ms Esther doesn't blame herself too much. You tried your best and it was ultimately your uncle's choice to live independently... You were the only one putting in effort to check on him. I pray for peace in your heart. Hopefully there are people in your life to help you cope with the grief of losing your husband and your uncle in such a short time.

[@genietakewaka7729]

Hello I am a female senior also from Singapore. I had heard of a single middle aged man, live alone, in his late 40s , seemly in the pink 🩷 of health died in the comfort of his 3 room flat. He was discovered by the neighbors when the stench lingered in the air. This happened in 2018 in Jalan Besar HDB😢😢. There were maggots besides the decompost.

[@AmericaChavez17]

This video is foreshadowing my fate and I don't feel bad about it

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

Yet…

[@tankman20064]

Gillette - Mr Personality this song is for you. Because it's so ugly

[@darkcnight]

well done cna

[@veronicaoliveiro6367]

Esther，希望你不要感到内疚。你已经比很多人的子女做得更好。各人自有各人命，希望你能照顾好自己的身心。你先生和舅舅都会保佑你。

[@vinnysing1324]

Social organization can Install intercom device in the flat, should emergency comes, press button to contact the manager or social worker of the organization. Singapore is so rich , am sure this will work..

[@carinwiseman4309]

Parents have forgotten how to teach their children compassion and empathy at a young age. It is rarely inborn. They must be taught.

[@jojojo89517]

I think we can't and shouldn't ignore that parents themselves forget their own humanity when dealing with their kids sometimes. If one were to emotionally and physically abuse your kid, you can't expect them to feel much compassion towards you. I feel like in societies where an extremely heavy emphasis is placed on the nuclear family unit being the basic cell of the broader community, there are often a lot of unhappy families and pent up resentment. We shouldn't be juding anyone (parents or kids) without knowing their stories and circumstances first.

[@DayrusBPB]

It's always sad that such things happen. I can only imagine it to get worse for the younger future generations. Get out while you can.

[@shirosvlog733]

When i read of this cases it makes me want to stay together with my mom even though I can buy my own flat stay by myself but I don't want to bcs who is gonna take care of her and I can't rely on my two younger brothers bcs they chose not keep in contact with her. I managed to contact my first younger brother and tell him that once awhile give mom a call/ask her out for dinner but he told me no then I added that one day mommy not around I don't want you and Ah Ming, youngest brother come and cry at her wake only do 3 days wake for her and her urn will be putting on the Buddha alter together with my dog's urn and he blocked my no from Whatsapp and call

[@nsaffini1975]

Hopefully your brothes will come to their senses and be more grateful of your mother. Our mother painfully raised us, having sleepless nights when we were babies, it’s shocking how ungrateful some offspring are towards their mother.

[@nsaffini1975]

You’re a good person, I pray you receive good karma in this life and the hereafter.

[@wongpaul1162]

The best ❤❤❤ keep it up.

[@thomasranjit7781]

The Singapore government must start old age care home where people can visit and spend some time with these old people who are alone.

[@letterZach]

Stay strong, Esther!

[@YourAverageAvgeek0]

very sad😥

[@Pushkin62]

After watching the 3 part series, a thought came to my mind. If the elderly person living alone was wealth and had a few million dollars in bank accounts and shares and a private property or two, I doubt their children would abandon them.

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

Of course not! Nothing would be too much trouble then. Aren't people awful 😔