Elderly Residents Extend Communal Village Bond Beyond Local Community

Elderly Residents Extend Communal Village Bond Beyond Local Community

In Singapore, efforts are underway to help seniors age gracefully and maintain an active lifestyle. The Age Well SG program, for instance, is bolstering the number of active ageing centers and community initiatives nationwide. These centers collaborate with organizations like Sport Singapore and the People's Association, utilizing public spaces such as coffee shops, parks, and community centers to engage seniors, promote social connections, and combat loneliness [1].

But a study by the National University of Singapore (NUS) reveals that seniors' social networks are more diverse and widespread than previously thought. Immediate and extended family members are their primary contacts, followed by friends and colleagues, with neighbors often being last on the list [1]. Interestingly, the average distance between seniors and their named contacts is approximately 4km, with their networks encompassing various parts of Singapore. This study, funded by the Singapore Social Science Research Council, employed GIS mapping to confirm these findings [1].

At first glance, this research could suggest that the modern-day "kampung spirit" or neighborhood cohesion has diminished in Singapore. However, this may not necessarily be the case. Instead, it highlights the reality that seniors today are aging in networks that are geographically distributed, which presents an unprecedented opportunity to expand the kampung spirit across the country by leveraging travel and digital connectivity [1].

The research contends that fostering more extensive social networks can cater to the diverse needs of seniors and have a positive impact on their mental health [1]. To date, the emphasis has been on promoting aging in place, but with Singapore moving toward becoming a super-aged society by 2030, it's essential to embrace the concept of aging in networks as well [1].

Seniors reveal reasons behind their patterns of traveling beyond their neighborhoods, which include supporting loved ones, meeting friends and former neighbors, and participating in activities like dance, music, and exercise not available nearby [1]. For example, one senior travels to a community club 15 minutes away by bus twice a week because her friends use it and want to learn advanced dance steps [1].

Improved transportation connectivity is crucial for enabling seniors to maintain valued social networks, regardless of location [1]. However, the researchers found that walking and transportation accessibility are still uneven in different parts of Singapore [1], with issues like inadequate shelter, slip-resistant pavement, limited bus services, and other barriers impacting public transit-dependent seniors [1].

To address these challenges, it's essential to support older Singaporeans' choices to maintain diverse social networks and participate in a range of activities in different parts of Singapore [1]. Repurposing transportation hubs like bus interchanges and MRT stations to incorporate elder-friendly facilities and activities is another key strategy [1].

Collaborative initiatives like the Odekake Rehabilitation Initiative in Japan can serve as models for encouraging seniors who require care and support to socialize, shop, and interact, while revitalizing local communities [1]. This collaborative program involves 17 partners, including long-term care facilities, commercial partners, government agencies, and individual volunteers, to create engaging, supportive environments for seniors [1].

With continued government investments in expanding travel connectivity, creating an aged-friendly environment, and fostering stronger social networks, it's possible for Singapore to build upon the traditional kampung spirit and enlarge it to connect communities across the country [1].

Sources:[1] Ho, E., Chua, V., & Chen-Chieh, F. (2022). Diverse ties and diverse places: Older Singaporeans’ mobility, network integration and mental health. Singapore Management University Working Paper.[2] Liu, C., Wang, H., & Huang, Q. (2019). Social networks and mental health in later life: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Journal of Aging Research, 11, 1048-1066.[3] Ageing in Singapore - Government Online Resource Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.gov.sg/serving-ns/programmes/ageing-in-singapore[4] Ageing in Place - Government Online Resource Center. (2023). Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.gov.sg/organisation/ageing-in-place[5] Silver Generation Office. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.gov.sg/organisation/silver-generation-office

1. To enhance the mental health of seniors and support their active aging, efforts can be made to foster more extensive social networks that extend beyond traditional neighborhoods, utilizing science-based strategies like the Odekake Rehabilitation Initiative from Japan.
2. In the context of Singapore's aging population, health-and-wellness initiatives should not only focus on aging in place but also consider the importance of aging in networks, which can have a positive impact on seniors' mental health and social connections, as suggested by the research on older Singaporeans' mobility patterns.

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