HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY: FROM THE HDB RESIDENTS' PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

With more than 90% of the elderly aged above 65 years old staying in public housing estate, there is a growing need for more research on the living patterns of this cohort of the elderly population. In addition, greater amount of literature had stressed the importance of housing to an elderly. In order to give a more comprehensive understanding of the living arrangements of the elderly, this study includes the discussion of both the physical factors and the human factors. Henceforth, this study examines: (1) the extent to which subjective factors such as privacy, independence and social expectations affect the attitudes of the elderly in public housing towards their living arrangements; (2) the type of living arrangements preferred by the elderly; and (3) the mobility patterns of the elderly. It is found from the study that there is a change in the attitudes of the elderly towards their living arrangements. Choosing to live separately from their married children seems to be the result of greater relative value being placed on privacy and independence. However, this does not represent a breakdown of societal values as most of the elderly people prefer their children to stay near them. As for the mobility patterns of the elderly, most expressed their desire to grow old in familiar surroundings.