More than 8 in 10 older adults in Singapore prefer to age in their current homes, according to recent studies. As Singapore becomes a super-aged society, the PAP government is increasing efforts to enable seniors to age in place. Both the physical living environment (“hardware”) and how seniors are engaged in the community (“heartware”) are important for meeting seniors’ needs.
Singapore is on track to reach “super-aged” status by 2026. By 2030, one in four citizens will be 65 or older versus one in six currently. The United Nations defines a country as “super aged” when those aged 65 and above make up at least 21 per cent of the population. Seven regions have already reached that status, including Ang Mo Kio, Clementi, Redhill, Jurong East/Boon Lay, Serangoon, Toa Payoh and Geylang.
The number of older seniors aged 85 and above is rising rapidly. Singapore currently has 64,000 older seniors, 60 per cent of whom are frail to severely frail while 4 per cent are at high risk of social isolation.
Therefore, the early findings of the ongoing study by the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing at Singapore Management University did not come as a surprise. According to researchers, older adults’ preference to age in their homes shows a desire for continuity, stability, and accessible amenities as well as a keen sense of community.
Interestingly, there is a discrepancy in needs which must be addressed. The study found that 70.3 per cent of respondents said eldercare or active ageing centres were important or very important for ageing in place. However, only about 50 per cent live within a 10-minute walk of such amenities.
Indeed, the PAP government is ramping up efforts to enable residents to age in place. On October 12, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced that an additional $140 million will fund the expansion or refurbishment of more than 100 active ageing centres (AACs) from 2025 to 2027. This added funding supplements the $800 million the Government has set aside for AACs from 2024 to 2028.
A total of $3.5 billion will be set aside over the next decade to support the Age Well SG national programme launched in November 2023. The programme, jointly led by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Transport, aims to transform transport, housing, active ageing, and care services nationwide.
It will include programmes from physical exercises to volunteering opportunities. More assisted living options, such as community care apartments and better home care arrangements, will also be in place so that people can age at home and in the community.
The new Silver Upgrading Programme launched in August and Estate Upgrading Programme will also introduce senior-friendly features such as barrier-free ramps and dementia-friendly wayfinding features in Housing Board and private residential estates.
Professor Paulin Straughan, Rosa’s director, rightly pointed out that as the boundaries of Singaporeans’ homes expand beyond their flats into neighbourhoods, the question is on how we can “level up” neighbourhoods – with the right amenities and by providing social interactions – so that they will have an impact on Singaporeans’ wel-being.
Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development, said that both “hardware” and “heartware” are important for addressing seniors’ needs.
Ultimately, the government can provide essential infrastructure to enable seniors to age in place, but it requires community effort to actively engage our seniors and ensure they are part of the community.
This is why the People’s Action Party recently launched a new PAPSG playbook at an event commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1. According to PAPSG Chairman Tan See Leng, who is also the Manpower Minister, the playbook provides a comprehensive guide for all 93 PAP branches on launching initiatives and finding resources to engage seniors. Whether related to healthcare, employment, or legacy matters, the Party hopes to partner with experts to guide seniors and help them make informed choices that enable ageing well.
But the Party cannot do this alone. It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort that includes healthcare professionals, caregivers, community partners, volunteers, and Singaporeans. All of us looking out for seniors within the community.
