ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the physical home environment and asks what do older Singaporeans seek in their homes to age in place: How do older people live in the ubiquitous high-rise public housing in Singapore? What do they seek in their housing environment to age in place? What is being provided to support ageing in place? As one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia, Singapore presents a pertinent case study. The focus is on public housing where 82% of Singaporeans live. The public housing environment/ageing in place will be explored from two perspectives – an objective reality (what’s provided) and subjective/perceived circumstance (how older residents perceive and assess their home environment). The emphasis is directed towards the older person’s perceived age-readiness of the physical home environment rather than an evaluation of housing policies and schemes, which is well documented. Drawing on empirical data, it examines the older Singaporean’s current living situation, moving intentions, housing preferences, and perceptions of housing quality for growing old to understand where future housing decision might be headed. It will discuss the implications of these findings for evolving age-friendly housing.
