Associate Professor Ding Yew Yoong is a senior consultant in the Department of Geriatric Medicine and the Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Executive Director and Lead Scientist of the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI). He trained in internal medicine at the National University of Singapore before subspecialising in geriatric medicine. His research and clinical interests focus on frailty, intrinsic capacity and models of geriatric care.
Clinical focus
Frailty, intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MPH, PhD, FAMS, FRCP (Edin).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital — Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Novena
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Senior Consultant, Tan Tock Seng Hospital; Executive Director, Geriatric Education and Research Institute
Getting to the clinic
Associate Professor Ding Yew Yoong is a senior consultant in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, in the Novena area of central Singapore. The hospital is very well connected: Novena station (NS20) on the North-South Line is close by, with a short walk or feeder bus to the hospital campus. For frail or less mobile patients, a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off at the main entrance is often the simplest option.
- By MRT: alight at Novena (NS20) and walk or take a short feeder bus to the hospital.
- By bus: many routes serve Tan Tock Seng Hospital, with stops near the main entrances.
- By car or taxi: the hospital has a drop-off point and paid parking on site; taxi and ride-hailing pick-up is available.
The campus is large, so allow time to find the correct department on arrival, and arrange accompaniment for patients who need help walking.
What frailty and healthy ageing covers
This focus deals with frailty, intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing, central concepts in modern geriatric medicine. Frailty describes a state in which a person’s reserves are reduced, so that even a minor illness or stress can have an outsized effect. Intrinsic capacity refers to the combined physical and mental abilities a person can draw on, and supporting it is key to ageing well.
- Assessment and management of frailty in older adults.
- Evaluation of physical and mental capacity, including mobility, strength, cognition and mood.
- Management of geriatric syndromes and multiple long-term conditions.
- Strategies to maintain function and independence with age.
- Management of conditions such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure within the context of ageing well.
The emphasis is on more than treating individual diseases. By identifying frailty early and supporting a person’s overall capacity through exercise, nutrition, medication review and management of underlying conditions, it is often possible to help older adults stay active and independent for longer.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually involves a comprehensive assessment, often with input from a family member or carer, covering medical conditions, medications, mobility, strength, memory, mood, nutrition and daily functioning. The specialist will carry out a physical examination and may use simple tests of walking, balance and grip strength to gauge frailty and capacity. Investigations such as blood tests or imaging may be arranged where appropriate.
The findings are then discussed, along with a plan aimed at maintaining function and independence. This often combines several measures, such as exercise to build strength and balance, attention to nutrition, reviewing medications and managing underlying conditions. The approach is broad, reflecting the many factors that influence healthy ageing.
Preparing for your appointment
Helpful items to bring include:
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous medical records, scans and test results, including any earlier bone-density scans.
- A complete and current list of all medications and supplements, ideally the actual boxes.
- A note of recent changes in weight, appetite, energy, mobility or memory.
- A written list of questions and concerns from the patient and family.
Bringing the patient’s usual walking aids, glasses and hearing aids, if used, supports an accurate assessment.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the assessment, the patient may be referred for tests, physiotherapy or other services, with a follow-up arranged to review progress and adjust the plan. Reports and results are discussed at review visits. Because frailty and ageing-related conditions evolve over time, ongoing review helps keep the plan appropriate, and the geriatrician helps coordinate continuity of care across the services involved.
A second opinion can always be sought. Seek urgent help for a serious fall, sudden confusion, a marked change in alertness, signs of a stroke, chest pain or breathlessness, as these need prompt assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
Within the public hospital system, a referral from a GP or polyclinic may be needed and can help with subsidised rates where the patient is eligible. For eligible investigations or procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally at subsidised or out-of-pocket rates depending on eligibility. As arrangements vary, confirm fees and subsidy eligibility directly with the hospital.
Common questions
What is frailty?
Frailty is a state of reduced physical reserve in which even a minor illness or stress can have a large effect. Recognising it early allows steps to be taken to support strength and resilience.
Can frailty be improved?
In many cases, frailty can be lessened through measures such as exercise to build strength and balance, attention to nutrition, reviewing medications and managing underlying conditions.
What is intrinsic capacity?
Intrinsic capacity refers to the combined physical and mental abilities a person can draw on, such as mobility, strength, thinking and mood. Supporting it is central to ageing well.
How can I support healthy ageing?
Regular physical activity, good nutrition, staying socially and mentally engaged, managing long-term conditions and reviewing medications all help. A geriatric assessment can tailor advice to the individual.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of geriatricians (doctors for older adults) in Singapore and our shortlist of geriatric clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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