AGEING-IN-PLACE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ENVIRONMENT IN SINGAPORE: A STUDY ON THE BARRIER-FREE ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE ELDERLY IN BUKIT MERAH VIEW AND HENDERSON HEIGHTS

Abstract

Apart from the concern of land scarcity, demographic changes are also one of the most significant challenges that Singapore is facing now. Our declining birth rates and longer life expectancy clearly illustrates an ageing population and the impacts of living longer. By 2030, elderly aged 65 and above will form at least 20 per cent of the population. This dissertation seeks to assess if the public housing environment is equipped to support an ageing-in-place scenario as well as the wellbeing of the elderly. The paper would base its findings on one of the most elderly-populated housing estates in Singapore – Bukit Merah. The paper aims to offers a deeper understanding of accessibility in built environment, especially from the perspective of the elderly. Using qualitative data from interviews and observations, this paper will evaluate existing site barriers and access to essential facilities in the built environment. Lastly, this paper concludes with an emphasis on reexamining macro level planning and implementation of facilities, such as traffic junctions and footpath networks. And make some recommendation as to how they could be better designed to address seamless barrier-free accessibility in future developments. It also suggests that by prioritizing the outstanding site barriers for accessibility to essential amenities, everyday life and wellbeing of the elderly could be greatly improved.