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Homecoming of sorts: Meeting the housing and care needs of Singaporeans as they age

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Recent research shows that nearly 83 percent of older Singaporeans prefer to age in place rather than move to assisted living or community care apartments. To facilitate this choice, the government is expanding home care resources, senior-friendly housing, and targeted community initiatives across the country. Bedok, Bukit Panjang, and Tiong Bahru-Redhill have joined Toa Payoh under the Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative, with physical infrastructure enhancements scheduled to begin rolling out in 2027. Local active ageing centres run by providers like NTUC Health and Care Corner will further support these efforts by providing exercise, games, and volunteer activities.

Key points

  • Reluctance to abandon established communities and amenities has led to mixed demand for a…: Reluctance to abandon established communities and amenities has led to mixed demand for assisted living and community care apartments.
  • Active ageing centres managed by groups such as Care Corner and NTUC Health provide vital…: Active ageing centres managed by groups such as Care Corner and NTUC Health provide vital recreation and volunteer opportunities for seniors.
  • Long-term independent living relies on adapting neighbourhood infrastructure and support…: Long-term independent living relies on adapting neighbourhood infrastructure and support services directly to the evolving physical needs of older residents.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The New Age

Homecoming of sorts: Meeting the housing and care needs of Singaporeans as they age

- Singapore is ageing fast, and most seniors want to stay in their current homes, near friends, shops and familiar support.

- The Government is expanding Age Well Neighbourhoods, home care, and senior-friendly housing to help older people live safely and independently.

- Some seniors need assisted living or community care apartments, but demand is mixed because many resist leaving familiar neighbourhoods.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – After Rahimah Othman’s husband died in 2023, the 63-year-old Bedok resident was left with only her daughter as a companion.

However, her daughter, who is pursuing a diploma at Republic Polytechnic, spends most of the week staying with her aunt in Woodlands, leaving Rahimah alone at home.

To encourage Rahimah – who stopped working full-time more than two decades ago to take care of her daughter – to socialise and stay active, a friend suggested she attend activities at the nearby NTUC Health Active Ageing Centre.

The homemaker now spends most of her weekdays at the centre,…

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