Singapore is stepping up efforts to support its growing senior population by upgrading Housing and Development Board (HDB) precincts with a higher proportion of elderly residents. The new Silver Upgrading Program will introduce enhancements aimed at encouraging active aging and creating more senior-friendly environments.
Launching in Chong Boon in 2024
The Silver Upgrading Program is set to begin in four precincts in Chong Boon by the second quarter of 2024, with improvements expected to be completed by the second half of 2026. Following that, the program will expand to 22 more areas, including Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh. All upgrades are slated to finish by 2029.
Senior-Focused Upgrades for Active Aging
The upgrades under this initiative will include senior-friendly facilities such as therapeutic gardens, fitness trails, and rest areas along pathways. In addition, the improvements will feature dementia-friendly elements, along with playgrounds that combine play spaces for children with fitness equipment for adults and seniors.
HDB stated that these enhancements aim to transform public housing estates into more livable spaces for elderly residents, making them more conducive for active and independent living.
“Such senior-friendly enhancements will be included in future projects under the Neighborhood Renewal Program (NRP),” said HDB.
Addressing Gaps in Older Estates
While the Neighborhood Renewal Program has been in place since 2007, it primarily targets precincts built up to 1999. However, some older precincts that underwent earlier upgrades do not qualify for the NRP. To close this gap, the Silver Upgrading Program will focus on those older estates to ensure they, too, benefit from senior-friendly improvements.
“However, as some older precincts that had undergone upgrading in the past do not qualify for NRP, the new Silver Upgrading Program will target such older precincts to ensure that they can also enjoy these senior-friendly enhancements,” HDB explained.
Precincts with a higher proportion of residents aged 55 and older will be prioritized, ensuring that neighborhoods with more seniors benefit from enhancements designed to support aging in place.
Engaging Residents for a Better Experience
To ensure that the upgrades meet the needs of residents, HDB is collaborating with a design consultant and relevant partners. The agency will engage with residents to gather input on the improvements they hope to see in their communities. The feedback and lessons learned from the first four precincts in Chong Boon will inform future projects throughout Singapore.
“HDB is committed to enhancing the livability of our homes and neighborhoods and creating an environment where seniors can live and age-in-place independently within their communities,” HDB added.
This fully government-funded initiative highlights HDB’s commitment to making public housing more livable, particularly for the elderly, enabling them to stay active and independent within their communities.
Supporting Independent Aging
The overarching goal of the Silver Upgrading Program is to create communities where seniors can age in place independently, with access to supportive, senior-friendly environments. By upgrading these HDB estates, Singapore is taking steps toward building more inclusive, senior-focused neighborhoods, allowing older residents to live fulfilling lives as they age.
