BioPsychoSocial (BPS) Risk Screener
Detects vulnerability at older ages, and seeks to measure dynamic processes that contribute to holistic health and wellbeing.
The BioPsychoSocial (BPS) model allows for greater understanding of older adult health and related risks. This helps us to understand how well older people are managing and to screen for risk status. The BPS Risk Screener is constructed to detect vulnerability at older ages, and seeks to measure dynamic processes that place equal emphasis on Psycho-emotional and Socio-interpersonal risks, as Bio-functional ones [1]. This tool has since been validated and updated [2]. It is theory-based, culturally sensitive to multi-ethnic contexts in Singapore, and shows improved associations with health-related outcomes, and strong associations with quality of life (QoL). Please contact us if you would like to find out more information on the risk screener!
The BioPsychoSocial (BPS) health risks are defined below, and considered with the Loads-Levers-Lifts model. Taken together, the image captures vulnerability and how engineering resilience can support better wellbeing outcomes for older adults. [2]
Bio-Physical
Bio-Physical health involves physical functioning which may be affected by illness or chronic conditions, impeding activities of daily living.
Psycho-Emotional
Poor Psycho-emotional functioning can affect psychological processing, and ability to cope and recover from stress.
Social
Social functioning includes the quantity and quality of relationships, practical support, and economic capacity to live independently.
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[1] Hildon, Z.JL., Tan, C.S., Shiraz, F. et al. The theoretical and empirical basis of a BioPsychoSocial (BPS) risk screener for detection of older people’s health related needs, planning of community programs, and targeted care interventions. BMC Geriatr 18, 49 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0739-x
[2] Aw, S., Shiraz, F., Vrijhoef, H.J.M. et al. Validating Community for Successful Ageing (ComSA) BioPsychoSocial Risk Screener Version II (BPS-RS II) with Diverse Multi-Ethnic Senior Populations in Singapore: A Mixed-Methods Study. BMC Geriatr 25, 479 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06055-9