PUBLIC HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Public housing is unique in Singapore’s context. The public housing in Singapore was formed and managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Due to the limited land constraints in Singapore, high-rise and high-density flats were eventually erected. By the 1990s, the HDB concentrated on the upgrading of existing older flats. With the Lift Upgrading Program (LUP) lifts will now stop on every floor. The Studio Apartments (SA) scheme was then introduced in 1998 to suit the needs of senior citizens. Like most developed countries, the population in Singapore is ageing. Between now and 2030, 1 in 5 Singaporeans will be 65 years and above. This paper will look into what impacts the greying population in Singapore will affect their public housing options by 2030.