Topic > The importance of creating an age-friendly urban environment

IndexContentsConclusionRecommendationsBackgroundThe aging population in Singapore has increased rapidly in recent years and it has even been predicted that by 2030, 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older. To adapt to the needs of older adults, it is essential that society ensures that our environment is age-friendly. We must therefore work to further incorporate age-friendly aspects into our urban environment and encourage our society to adopt an open mind towards an aging society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The purpose of this article is to discuss Singapore's progress in building an age-friendly environment and the challenges faced in creating one. Scope We will highlight measures taken by the Government to create an age-friendly urban environment across financial, social and environmental aspects, and identify a key challenge Singapore faces in doing so. Discussion To fully understand the importance of an age-friendly environment, you must first be able to understand what it encompasses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the place where health, well-being and participation are guaranteed to older people while they live. age. Attributes include easy accessibility, equality, safety, support and inclusiveness. Support for older adults focuses on person-centred services to enable recovery or compensate for loss of function, to encourage them to continue pursuing their passions. In an effort to transform urban cities into age-friendly cities, the WHO Framework on Active Aging strives to improve the lives of older people by improving health, participation and safety aspects of society. According to the guideline, an age-friendly city is characterized by 5 factors. First, it must recognize the wide range of abilities of older adults. Second, it must anticipate and respond to aging-related needs and preferences. Third, older people's decisions and lifestyle choices should be respected. Fourth, it must protect the elderly who are the most vulnerable in society. Finally, it should promote the inclusion of older people in all aspects of society. Singapore can benefit from having an age-friendly urban environment. According to WHO, when older adults are supported by a cohesive infrastructure, family members feel more at ease, resulting in reduced stress and worries. Businesses are able to thrive by leveraging the skills and experience of their silver workforce. In an effort to create an age-friendly urban environment, the government has pursued numerous initiatives in the areas of housing, healthcare, employment and infrastructure. Senior homes have been created that have security features installed to help seniors move around their homes easily and safely. The government ensures that seniors have access to affordable, quality healthcare, as well as housing through the provision of programs and subsidies. The Tri-generational Flat scheme ensures that older people can continue to live with their children and receive emotional support, thus reducing the risk of isolation (Loo, 2013). To encourage seniors to lead an active lifestyle, the People's Association Wellness Program organizes regular health checks and exercise programs. Work is not only seen as a source of income for the elderly, but also a way..