Examining the quality of life of elders in Singapore

Abstract

With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, the well-being of this demographic has become increasingly pertinent. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of elders in Singapore based on Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that access to housing, medical care, food, clothing and social services is a fundamental human right. The study involved interviewing participants between the ages of 60 to 80. The majority reported a positive overall quality of life. However, accessibility to quality food and private medical care proved challenging, particularly for low-income elderly individuals. The lengthy wait times for public medical care also revealed a systemic issue, indicating insufficient preparation and resource allocation for an ageing population with high healthcare demands. Moreover, social services were not always accessible due to technological barriers and social stigma. Overall, the study underscores the need to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare, food, and social services to enhance elderly individuals' quality of life.