NUS team undertaking $2.9m study on future housing types for seniors

A project that aims to shape how homes for senior citizens will look in the future has been awarded to the National University of Singapore (NUS).

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The $2.9 million project, granted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in March, seeks to understand how different housing types influence seniors’ quality of life. Findings from this three-year study, led by NUS researchers, will guide the planning and design of future senior housing types.

The study will take into account the diverse needs, evolving preferences and changing aspirations of future seniors who may be living alone or with their families, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann on June 4.

Speaking at the World Cities Summit held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Ms Sim noted that the authorities have introduced several new housing types for seniors in recent years.

These include community care apartments, which pair senior-friendly housing design with on-site care services, and the first Housing Board project to co-locate childcare and senior centres in one integrated development. These developments are part of the study.

“As we continue to explore new ways to support our seniors, we will need continued research to inform our decisions,” she said.