Evaluating the Effectiveness of Health Coaching in Wellness Befriending for Selfcare, Physical Health, and Mental Health

Singapore's ageing population requires a shift from treatment to prevention-focused healthcare. The Healthier SG initiative emphasises lifestyle modification and non-healthcare individuals as lay extenders of care. This project explores health coaching—trained non-medical personnel partnering with clients to cultivate healthier habits through goal-setting and active listening.

Evidence shows health coaching improves quality of life, reduces hospital admissions, and increases medication adherence. Our pilot study demonstrated that community-based health coaching by non-healthcare professionals enhanced older adults' dietary awareness, exercise habits, and reduced loneliness. Both in-person and online modalities proved effective. This collaboration between ARISE and Lions Befrienders Service Association deploys health coaching training and mobile tools to volunteers, staff, and caregivers, supporting independent ageing in place while reducing healthcare reliance and benefiting family caregivers.