4 in 5 Singaporeans scared to grow old: survey

They're also concerned about ageing in place.

Singaporeans are scared to grow old, if NTUC Income and Lien Foundation’s survey is anything to go by. 

The survey reveals that four in five Singaporeans aged 30 to 75 worry about growing old. Three in four respondents are concerned about ‘ageing in place,’ or living in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

Those aged below 60 years old are the most concerned about ‘ageing in place’ (80% of those aged 30-44 years old, 81% of those aged 45-59 years old), compared to their older (75% of those aged 60-75 years old) counterparts.

Almost four in five (78%) prefer to stay in their own home, independently or with their spouses during their silver years. This preference was the strongest amongst the seniors (84%) compared to their younger counterparts (73% of those aged 30-44 years old and 77% of those who are 45-59 years old).

Where do they want to stay?

Alternative living arrangements such as a retirement village or a senior’s apartment are the preferred choices for the younger set (30-44 years old) whilst those aged 60-75 years old opted for a senior’s apartment (66%) and nursing home (58%).

Interestingly, whilst one in two respondents were willing to stay in a nursing home themselves, they were less prepared to send a family member to one. Nearly one in three were strongly against it. Amongst the respondents, two in ten have a relative staying (or stayed in the past) in either an elderly day care centre or a nursing home.