1 in 4 Singaporeans is projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030*. In a recent global ranking of readiness for a rapidly ageing society* conducted by the National University Singapore (NUS) and Columbia University, released in 2024, Singapore was placed 10th (#1 in Asia), with Switzerland topping the chart. The Global Ageing Society Index, developed by the study’s research team, assessed143 countries, encompassing over 95.4% of the world’s population. Five key domains were examined to determine the rankings. They are: Well-being, Productivity and Engagement, Equity, Cohesion, and Security. The study highlighted several observations, but health and social security systems emerged as fundamental in addressing ageing challenges.
Singapore ranks first in the well-being domain, which the study defines as “being informed by a sophisticated understanding of the healthcare needs of older persons”. The city also adopts a proactive approach*, encouraging self-reliance and sufficiency. While creating healthcare accessibility can extend life expectancy pragmatically, our shared built environment can contribute to an enhanced quality of life experienced as the population starts to grey. The senior community is particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Other than physical frailty that comes from age, social circles may become smaller with time. Loneliness, thus, can unintentionally seep and increase mental stress*, leading to a list of triggers to their health, such as high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and more.
An age-friendly neighbourhood*, defined by URA, is where seniors can age confidently and gracefully*, and it entails creating a supportive environment outside their homes. Walkability, listed as one of the key aspects, refers to infrastructure interventions that enable that. For instance, other than providing sheltered walkway connections for basic tropical weather relief, including ramps and barriers, can also further aid seniors in going outdoors independently. Such enhancements benefit different groups of users and set conditions where seniors can still integrate within the wider community while staying physically active and mentally stimulated by their immediate surroundings.
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In support of a holistic, healthy ageing process, we at WY-TO view rich streetscapes as leverage in creating more inclusive, friendly neighbourhoods. Our methodology explores environments that are well-suited to co-host diverse groups and foster interactions. The approach emphasises agility and flexibility to form purposeful place-people engagements. A relevant example recorded in our 'Well-being for All' research is visual stimulation, which can include creative wayfinding tools such as colour zoning, murals on facades and environmental graphics. While these 'map anchors' can assist the elderly in recognising where they are or guide their direction – especially in dementia-friendly estates, they can also function to enliven the urban landscape for all to delight in. With time, these creative place markers can become synonymous with the neighbourhood's identity. As such, a simple consideration can enable systemic benefits that extend beyond one demographic.
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In high-density cities such as Singapore, co-locating programmes can be utilised to cultivate intergenerational encounters. Woodlands Health Campus (WHC) is one such facility project. Learning from the innovative typology pioneered by Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital (KTPH)*, WHC also envisions a harmonious integration with their neighbourhood. Accordingly, a series of publicly accessible spaces have been programmed to allow community spillover from the Park Connector Network (PCN) located beside. These amenities primarily cater for patients and visitors will also welcome the future residents of the nearby housing blocks to be built.
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Aside from a line-up of F&B options and an express supermarket, opportunities for walks of life to converge are incorporated. For instance, a healing, dementia-friendly forest garden is designed to host meaningful cross-generational activities for seniors and children from the integrated preschool. The multipurpose hall, open for public use, invites people to conduct physical activities alongside seniors residing or recuperating in WHC. As the first Singapore hospital with dedicated parkland integrated*, WHC combines the best practices set by KTPH to reimagine streams of supportive networks for seniors. The various programmatic engagements bring groups of communities together while nurturing the Campus Hospital's place identity as a wellness community node in the vicinity.
Ageing can be considered a megatrend that cities globally are experiencing*. When embraced with a positive mindset, turning grey can present silver linings in creating welcoming places for better inclusivity and strengthening the social fabric through spirited collaborations. Our Well-being for All research advocates such possibilities for cities in strategising for empathy in design across scales. Ultimately, the framework centres on innovations that uplift communities through stages of life and inspire accessible and age-friendly experiences in our built environment. Our 'Well-being for All' research advocates such possibilities for cities in strategising for design empathy across scales. Ultimately, the framework centres on innovations that uplifts communities through stages of life and to inspire accessible and age=friendly experiences in our built environment.
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