SENIOR CITIZENS IN SINGAPORE : AN ANALYSIS OF RECENT DATA AND SOCIAL SECURITY ISSUES

Abstract

As the twentieth century draws to a close, a dramatic demographic transition is sweeping Singapore, the rapid ageing of its society. A historical perspective on world population trends will convince us that the ageing of population throughout the world is inevitable. At present, Singapore's population is at the end of its youthful bracket and becoming mature. By the year 2030, nearly one quarter of our population will be aged. The ageing of the population has been identified by the Singapore government as a major challenge to Singapore's socio-economic progress and national well-being in the next century. The government is known for its swift policy-making and implementation and has been taking steps to address the issues of ageing well ahead of time. The impact of ageing on the population, labour force, social security system and the economy, leading to reduced dynamism of the country have often been cited as areas of concern. In view of recently published data by government sources, an analysis of the aged population becomes pertinent. The present analysis attempts to collate all the information to provide changing trends among the aged, the extent of ageing, its implications on the labour force and the potential problems which might emerge as a consequence of ageing in Singapore. Furthermore, pertinent information is now available to study the adequacy of social and economic support for the aged. We also examine the official policies which are meant to enhance the welfare of the aged. This study will cover the period from 1980 to 1996.