Silver linings: in Southeast Asia, ageing is big business
Singapore is seeing a rise in assisted living facilities as the city-state transitions into a 'super-aged' society. These facilities provide a middle ground for seniors who value independence but require some support, fueling growth in the local 'silver economy'.
Why it matters
As many nations face aging populations, Singapore's model offers a potential blueprint for balancing senior care with personal autonomy and real estate development.
Helen Fung’s home felt empty. After her husband died last October, she found herself rattling around a house in Singapore with only a domestic helper she could not get along with for company.
She turned down her children’s invitations to move to England, put off by London’s grey winters, and instead checked herself into an assisted living facility.
On a recent Monday afternoon in St Bernadette Lifestyle Village at Trevose Crescent, tucked away in the leafy residential estate of Bukit Timah, Fung celebrated her 92nd birthday.
Carers wheeled and walked eight fellow residents to the dining table before breaking into song. Goaded into a speech, Fung kept it brief: “I’m very happy to be here.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in