ACTIVE AGEING: CASE STUDY OF BARRIERS TO SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Abstract

This study examines the barriers to social participation in two housing estates of Singapore: Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Panjang. Using survey data, barriers to social participation are found to include poor health, functional limitations, unwillingness to commit to structured schedules, lack of energy, low motivation for community activities, weak sense of community in neighbourhood, low education, mentality of being too old for anything, lack of partner for community events and economic insecurity. Barriers to social participation vary across age, gender, education and location.

This paper also identifies major membership groups of elderly based on their behaviour, attitudes and perceptions towards social participation. They are: (1) Elderly with Active Lifestyle; (2) Working Elderly; and (3) Passive Retirees. Membership groups of elderly vary across age, gender, education and location.

This study concludes with an examination of what contributes to an adoption of active lifestyle among the elderly. Elderly in their 60s tend to have a more active lifestyle than elderly in their 70s. This could be associated with age differences in individual characteristics (education, health and functional limitations). Elderly with higher levels of educational attainment are also observed to have a more active lifestyle, as compared to elderly who have received lesser education. This is associated with them being more aware and conscientious about their health and actively taking steps that promote good health outcomes. Elderly women are also observed to have a more active lifestyle than men as women have stronger inclinations to be associated with organisations that focus on domestic and community affairs, while men usually belong to core economic organisations. Finally, more elderly in Bukit Panjang adopt an active lifestyle, owing to the strong sense of community in the neighbourhood.