National Heart Centre Singapore launches region's first comprehensive cardiovascular ageing and longevity initiative
Pioneering initiatives to transform cardiovascular care for seniors to age well through innovation and implementation
image: The 3DGait, a frailty AI tool used in the Cardiovascular Ageing and Longevity (CRANE) programme, is a revolutionary, easy to use solution. Integrated into a portable device, the tool leverages a single camera and 3D AI technology to accurately analyse human body motion, providing crucial insights into movement patterns. In the images, the tool records a video of the patient performing the TUG (Timed Up and Go), an internationally recognised test used commonly by healthcare professionals to spot early signs of frailty. The video is analysed, and a test report is generated, providing statistics and critical information on human gait to enhance patient care.
Credit: National Heart Centre Singapore
Singapore, 28 May 2025 – The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) today announced the launch of the Asia-Pacific region’s first comprehensive Cardiovascular Ageing and Longevity (CRANE) programme, marking a significant advancement in specialised cardiac care for older adults.
CRANE will galvanise all pillars within NHCS, including clinical care, research and innovation, and education to advance cardiovascular care through prevention of cardiovascular disease and promotion of cardiovascular longevity in ageing.
The programme builds upon the pipelines driven by NHCS's INDEPENDENCY Study¹ launched in 2023, which tests pioneering strategies to improve cardiovascular health and reduce frailty among older persons. The early intervention through the study has enhanced the wellbeing of 70-year-old Mr Teo, who had shown marked improvement after completing the study's cardiovascular, exercise and nutritional intervention programme. He now feels stronger, can walk longer distances, and has gained muscle strength.
With Singapore projecting that one in four residents will be aged 65 and above by 2030, this programme provides a timely and innovative response to this demographic shift. Through an integrated approach combining research, specialised clinical care, and education, NHCS aims to discover, translate, and implement evidence-based strategies to transform cardiovascular health and promote healthy longevity in Singapore's ageing population.
Pioneering Research Initiatives
CRANE will expand its clinical research programme to develop and evaluate targeted interventions for older adults in real-world settings. The goal is to improve ageing-related health outcomes and preserve the health-span of cardiac patients.
The team will advance its research in three key focus areas: advancing the biological aspects of cardiovascular ageing through enhancing development and validation of ageing biomarkers; exploring fundamental mechanisms of cardiovascular ageing; and investigating gender differences in these mechanisms. Additionally, the team will conduct specialised research focusing on specific groups, including geriatric cardio-oncology, regenerative cardiovascular medicine, and population health strategies to promote healthy cardiovascular ageing across communities.
"This initiative positions Singapore at the forefront of cardiovascular care for our seniors," said Professor Yeo Khung Keong, Chief Executive Officer, NHCS. "With our extensive expertise in cardiovascular care and research, NHCS is well-poised to spearhead this transformative programme that not only benefit our local population but also contribute valuable insights on cardiovascular ageing to the broader medical community across the Asia-Pacific region."
Transforming Clinical Care for Older Adults
Building on validated research findings, CRANE will transform care delivery through comprehensive care models specifically designed for older adults with heart conditions and their unique health challenges. These models will include advanced frailty assessment protocols, integrated geriatric-cardiac care programmes and innovative health monitoring systems. Technology and AI frailty tools such as the 3DGait and Medi-Kiosk used in the INDEPENDENCY study, will continue to support this programme and clinicians in their assessments.
Through evidence-based interventions, smart screening technologies and artificial intelligence, deployed across various healthcare settings, NHCS aims to enable early detection and management of cardiovascular health in older adults.
"CRANE represents a significant milestone in addressing the complex cardiovascular needs of our ageing population," said Associate Professor Angela Koh, Director, CRANE, and Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NHCS. "Our mission is to integrate scientific discoveries in cardiovascular ageing with practical clinical applications to maintain cardiovascular health and enhance the quality of life and independence in older adults.”
Education and Training Excellence
NHCS will establish a comprehensive education framework to address knowledge gaps in geriatric cardiology, focusing on both professional development and community engagement. Plans are underway to introduce specialised modules on advanced geriatric cardiology principles, complemented by practical workshops in frailty assessment and management. The training curriculum will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among cardiology, geriatric medicine, and allied health professionals.
Community outreach is essential for educating and empowering our residents. NHCS will collaborate with community partners to implement a robust community outreach strategy, including preventive care workshops and engagement sessions. These initiatives aim to create a knowledgeable healthcare ecosystem that encompasses healthcare professionals, and patients and caregivers to better serve Singapore's ageing population.
Building on Strong Foundations and Future Partnerships
CRANE emerges from NHCS's strong foundation of research excellence. “The opportunities for this initiative to benefit our patients and our society are enormous, says Assoc Prof Koh. "We have the potential to help older adults live better with cardiovascular disease. I look forward to working with our global collaborators to build on NHCS’s achievements and accelerate the development of solutions that will benefit both Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”
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About the National Heart Centre Singapore
The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) is a leading national and regional referral centre for cardiovascular diseases, offering 185 beds and a comprehensive range of cardiac care services from preventive to rehabilitative. Ranked #12 as the World’s Best Cardiology Hospital by Newsweek 2025, NHCS’s clinical outcomes are consistently recognised at the international level, meeting or exceeding global standards. It is also the only facility in Singapore providing heart transplantation programme.
As an academic medical centre, NHCS is committed to training healthcare professionals and advancing cardiovascular health through cutting-edge translational research in collaboration with local and international collaborators.
For more information, please visit: www.nhcs.com.sg