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Housing needs of aged population in the twenty first century
Author
Tan, Katherine Nguang Leng
Abstract
Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon and has recently become an important area of study. In Singapore, the declining birth rate, and an overall improvement in the quality of life has resulted in a greater magnitude of population ageing. Such a phenomenon will require an adjustment in social attitudes and public policies to meet changing demographic trends.
The study emphasises the importance of looking into the housing needs for the future aged, an area with little research in Singapore. Projections for the 21st century suggest that the increase in Singapore's aged will result in an increased demand in housing for them.
With a growing trend towards the small family norm, a higher incidence of singlehood and widowhood especially amongst women, and failing health in older ages, the need to change living arrangements to cater for the elderly's needs becomes more prominent.
To strengthen family ties, the Housing Development Board has implemented several schemes to enable them to stay near or with their children. With growing affluence and higher purchasing power, there are opportunities for the private sector to develop special housing for the aged Demand for immunity-based services and institutional homes are expected to increase.
In view of the high home ownership level, it is likely that most home owners will desire to age in their homes where they have lived for a substantial part of their lives. Spatial projection suggests that some areas will have much higher proportions of older people, with consequent implications for housing and service provision.
This study emphasises the inter-relationship Between housing and care needs and also the diversity of the aged population. Various forms of housing options have been suggested to cater to the wide range of needs. It is hoped that the findings from this study will fill the gap in ageing studies m Singapore and serve as a source of information for policy formulation and programme development for the future years.
The study emphasises the importance of looking into the housing needs for the future aged, an area with little research in Singapore. Projections for the 21st century suggest that the increase in Singapore's aged will result in an increased demand in housing for them.
With a growing trend towards the small family norm, a higher incidence of singlehood and widowhood especially amongst women, and failing health in older ages, the need to change living arrangements to cater for the elderly's needs becomes more prominent.
To strengthen family ties, the Housing Development Board has implemented several schemes to enable them to stay near or with their children. With growing affluence and higher purchasing power, there are opportunities for the private sector to develop special housing for the aged Demand for immunity-based services and institutional homes are expected to increase.
In view of the high home ownership level, it is likely that most home owners will desire to age in their homes where they have lived for a substantial part of their lives. Spatial projection suggests that some areas will have much higher proportions of older people, with consequent implications for housing and service provision.
This study emphasises the inter-relationship Between housing and care needs and also the diversity of the aged population. Various forms of housing options have been suggested to cater to the wide range of needs. It is hoped that the findings from this study will fill the gap in ageing studies m Singapore and serve as a source of information for policy formulation and programme development for the future years.
Date Issued
1996
Call Number
HD7364 Tan
Date Submitted
1996