Ageing well begins in the neighbourhood, but doesn't end there

Home is not just where seniors reside, but extends to wider communities involving social networks and activities.

- Malcolm Ravindran and Atiqah Lee

“We want a home where we can be ourselves.” That’s an aspiration that 73-year-old Madam Yong holds dear when it comes to how she wants to spend her later years.

The retired teacher was one of the participants in a 2023 study conducted by Duke-NUS’ Centre for Ageing Research and Education (Care) on the needs of middleand upper-income older persons.

Madam Yong also shared her fear that her desire to age in place cannot be met as she does not have any children and does not wish to burden her young relatives. “Support is what I need,” she said, as she envisions living in a caring community.

Older persons’ aspirations to age well extend beyond just being independent to meet one’s basic needs like shelter and income. It is crucial to be able to live in comfort and dignity, in accordance with one’s choice.

In the recent National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled “Age Well Neighbourhoods”, an initiative that seeks to “support our seniors where they are”.

This approach to building supportive communities is underscored by a commitment to enable Singaporeans to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of their homes, instead of feeling a need to move into new and well-serviced spaces to age well.

Indeed, the vision and intent behind this initiative align well with the desires of residents and potentially support older people such as Madam Yong to achieve their aspirations.

But we must also bear in mind that where seniors goes beyond merely being their place of residence. It also is a place where their aspirations are held and fulfilled.

KEY INGREDIENTS TO THRIVE

During the rally, PM Wong highlighted that more active ageing centres (AACs) will be built as they are essential in providing convenient access to meaningful interaction and activities in supporting older persons’ health and social well-being.