Seniors living in older housing estates can now age more comfortably in their communities. Around 24,000 seniors across 26 precincts in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh will benefit from neighbourhood upgrades in the next five years. These upgrades include senior-focused features like therapeutic gardens, fitness trails, and barrier-free access.
The effort is part of the new Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) under the Housing & Development Board (HDB) which focuses on upgrading precincts with high density of seniors but may not qualify for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP), said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee at a community walk in Ang Mo Kio on Aug 25.
The NRP, introduced in 2007, focuses on improving amenities at the block and precinct level for developments constructed before 1999. Added amenities include covered walkways and fitness corners.
Future projects under the NRP will add more senior-friendly facilities that enable the elderly to remain active and safe in their neighbourhoods, according to an announcement in Parliament in March.
Mr Lee said that some older HDB precincts have already undergone estate upgrading programmes in the past, and do not qualify for NRP.
“Some of these precincts are home to many seniors who will benefit from senior-friendly enhancements. We will therefore carry out silver upgrading works for these precincts.”
HDB said that precincts chosen for SUP were prioritised based on a higher proportion of residents who are soon-to-be seniors (aged 55 years and above) and seniors (aged 65 and above) compared to the national average.
Senior-friendly upgrades are fully funded by the Government
The upgrades, which are fully funded by the Government, will start with four precincts in Chong Boon in the second quarter of 2025.
It will subsequently be extended to 22 other older precincts in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown and Toa Payoh over the next five years, with all works estimated to be completed by 2029.
Mr Lee said that seniors can look forward to new active ageing amenities such as therapeutic gardens and fitness trails, as well as additional barrier-free access ramps, and rest points along linkways to improve walkability and connectivity. There will also be dementia-friendly features to aid wayfinding. In addition, 3-Generation playgrounds combining play areas for children and exercise equipment for adults and seniors, may be introduced to promote interaction across generations.
“With these silver enhancements, we hope that you can continue to stay physically active, socially connect with your family, neighbours, and friends, and go about your daily routines around your estate more safely, more comfortable, and more confidently,” he added.
HDB will work with partners such as the Land Transport Authority, Agency for Integrated Care, National Parks Board and Sport Singapore to coordinate improvement works, align senior-related initiatives and share design practices relevant to the enhancement works.
Improvements will be tailored to the needs of each precinct: HDB
The new initiative is in line with Age Well SG, a nationwide programme launched in 2023 to better support seniors to age actively and independently at home and in the community.
The Ministry of National Development will spend $600 million on Age Well SG initiatives, including SUP, to help seniors age actively and independently in their community
The Government is making a strong push to improve the physical environment for seniors in Singapore, according to Mr Lee.
For example, in April, the government launched an improved version of the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme (EASE 2.0) was made available. A wider range of senior-friendly facilities and fittings in HDB homes have been included, such as foldable shower seats and handrails at flat entrances with steps.
HDB will tailor senior-friendly enhancements to each precinct after engaging residents to better understand their needs and seeking input on the improvements residents hope to see in their neighbourhoods.
