HOUSING NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF THE ELDERLY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The ageing population in Singapore posed as a challenge for the government in meeting the elderly needs adequately. In view of the ageing population, the government has introduced housing schemes such as studio apartments and retirement villages to house the elderly. It is of ultmost importance to understand the problems of the elderly before providing accomodation for them. In addition, the past and present housing options for the elderly are being evaluated to gain a better insight into the elderly needs. This research sets out to determine the housing needs and preferences of the elderly in Singapore. After a review of the relevant literature on the overseas and local works, a survey was carried out. The findings revealed that majority of the elderly from the three income groups prefer to stay in ordinary housing in their old age. However, there has been growing acceptance of new retirement housing options by the elderly. There was a general consensus among the elderly to stay with their children. The results suggested that the elderly in Singapore are still traditional in their thinking and values. The study also reveals the budget for purchase and rental, and the amount of fitting cost which the elderly are willing to set aside. Finally, the study concludes that retirement housing will be popular among the elderly if their misconception towards retirement housing changes.