He got on a bus but did not know how to pay his fare because the system had changed.

Desmond said the old system used cards, but now people tap to pay, which confused him.

A man behind him helped Desmond, which was very embarrassing for him.

Desmond has been in prison 14 times because of his heroin addiction.

He hopes this prison term will be his last, but he is worried about finding a job and a place to live.

Desmond said he feels like he has lost his sense of worth because of his age.

Desmond is one of many older inmates in Singapore.

In 2025, about one in six inmates was 60 or older, which is more than in 2019.

The number of inmates 65 and older more than doubled from 2019 to 2025.

This trend is like Singapore's ageing population, so the prison service is changing.

More older inmates have health problems and mobility issues, said prison officers.

Some older inmates also show early signs of dementia, said a prison staff officer.

Prison officers need to be patient and have the right skills to help these inmates.

Elderly inmates who need care live in a special unit with features like handrails.

Younger inmates help older ones with mobility problems and get rewards.

The special unit has cells that can be used by inmates who need help.

But changing the prison is only part of the solution.

Many older inmates struggle to find a place to live after they are released.

A program helps older inmates with mobility issues to rebuild their lives.

About 35% of the people in this program had problems finding a place to live.

If they live alone without family support, it's hard for them to stay out of prison.

The program helps them find sheltered homes or transitional shelters.

Ex-inmates also need to rebuild social ties and adjust to life outside prison.

About one in five inmates reoffend within two years of being released.

The recidivism rate was 21.9% for the 2023 release cohort, which is a bit higher than before.

A social worker said life outside prison is harder than inside for many inmates.

Former inmates also face stigma and declining health as they get older.

To help volunteers understand these challenges, they do simulations.

The goal is to understand each person's situation and not assume what they need.

Every elderly person wants dignity, said a social worker.

A former pastor said many elderly ex-inmates return to communities with few people to rely on.

Social isolation is very common among them.

They are like forgotten people, which is sad, said the pastor.

A prison officer hopes society can be more understanding of elderly inmates.

There is still stigma and fear when people meet former inmates with tattoos or a history of drug abuse.

Finding a sense of purpose can help former inmates stay away from crime.

A 59-year-old man spent 10 years in prison and now owns a barbershop.

He mentors former offenders and employs ex-inmates who struggle to find work.

Having his own shop keeps him away from bad influences, he said.

Support from others is important, but change must also come from the individual.

No one wants to be labelled a bad person, said the 59-year-old man.

He said people should realise their mistakes, repent, and do good for others.