SINGAPORE: Factors to make ageing a success

Summary

A recent survey conducted by the National University of Singapore reveals that 70% of elderly Singaporeans consider being cared for by their children, along with maintaining independence and a social life, as crucial for successful aging. However, barriers to health screenings, such as time constraints and cultural beliefs, hinder elderly participation in preventative care. The survey highlights the role of strong social support networks in improving health outcomes, with elderly women being particularly prone to isolation. Compared to Seoul and Shanghai, elderly Singaporeans report higher life satisfaction, though they engage less in health screenings.

Takeaways

• 😀 70% of elderly Singaporeans consider being cared for by their children as a key aspect of successful aging.
• 😀 Self-sufficiency and maintaining a social life are also crucial for elderly Singaporeans as they age.
• 😀 A three-year survey by the National University of Singapore surveyed over 500 elderly participants to understand their needs and perspectives on aging.
• 😀 Over 900,000 baby boomers in Singapore will reach retirement age by 2012, making up more than a quarter of the population.
• 😀 Gerard E., Chairman of the Council for Third Age, urges a shift in perspective towards aging and better support for the elderly in Singapore.
• 😀 More than a quarter of elderly respondents report not going for health screenings due to lack of time, and nearly half believe life and death are predestined.
• 😀 Elderly women are more likely to isolate themselves, and they are less likely to undergo health screenings.
• 😀 Health screening participation rates in Singapore are considered reasonable overall, despite some barriers to access.
• 😀 Stronger social support within communities is essential for elderly care, with an emphasis on building lasting relationships to improve healthcare delivery.
• 😀 A comparison with Seoul and Shanghai reveals that more people in Seoul participate in health screenings, but Singaporeans report higher life satisfaction.

Q & A

What is one of the most important aspects of aging successfully according to elderly Singaporeans?

According to the survey, 70% of elderly Singaporeans say that being cared for by their children is one of the most important aspects of aging successfully, alongside being self-sufficient and having a social life.

How was the survey on elderly Singaporeans conducted?

The survey was conducted over a three-year period, involving more than 500 participants, and was conducted by the National University of Singapore to help relevant organizations plan programs for the elderly.

What demographic change is happening in Singapore with regard to the elderly population?

Since 2012, over 900,000 baby boomers in Singapore are expected to reach retirement age, meaning more than a quarter of the citizen population will either be reaching or have already reached retirement age.

What does Gerard E., Chairman for the Council of Third Age, say about the public's perspective on aging?

Gerard E. suggests that Singaporeans need to change the unhealthy perspective they hold towards aging, and the survey findings can help society better understand how to provide more support for the elderly.

What barrier did the survey find that prevents elderly Singaporeans from going for health screenings?

The survey found that more than a quarter of respondents stated that a lack of time was a key barrier preventing them from going for health checkups.

What belief did almost half of the elderly respondents hold regarding life and death?

Almost half of the respondents believed that life and death are predestined and that there is nothing they can do to change their destiny.

Which group of elderly Singaporeans is more likely to isolate themselves from society?

The survey found that elderly women were more likely to isolate themselves from society, and they were also less likely to undergo health screenings.

What is the general attitude towards health screening rates in Singapore?

The report indicated that health screening take-up rates among Singaporeans are considered relatively reasonable, though there are still challenges, particularly among those who are socially isolated.

What is considered crucial for elderly well-being, according to the research?

Stronger social support within the community is crucial for elderly well-being. The study emphasizes the importance of having sustained, meaningful relationships and not just increasing the number of healthcare providers.

How did health screening rates in Singapore compare to Seoul and Shanghai?

The survey showed that more people in Seoul went for diabetes, cholesterol, and colon cancer screenings compared to those in Singapore and Shanghai, though Singaporeans reported higher satisfaction with their lives than those in the other two cities.