SINGAPORE: Differing views on elderly

. SINGAPORE / The Straits Times / June 6, 2009 Survey finds seniors don't see themselves the way others do By Melissa Sim A gap between the way Singaporeans view the elderly and the way senior citizens see themselves has shown up in a new survey. --Photo: Straits Times A GAP between the way Singaporeans view the elderly and the way senior citizens see themselves has shown up in a new survey. It shows that while nearly 90 per cent of the general population feel seniors are well-integrated and can contribute to society, less than 70 per cent of those aged 65 and above actually feel this way. =================================================== Healthy signs ALTHOUGH some findings in the Council for Third Age (C3A) survey raised concern, it also showed encouraging trends. For instance, about half of those aged 50 and below have started planning financially for their later years. And half of those aged 50 and above regularly participate in physical activity with a group of friends at least three times a week...more Related Link Attitudes towards the elderly =================================================== Another key finding: While 93 per cent of Singaporeans feel intergenerational relationships are important, less than 30 per cent actually spend time with extended members of their families. The survey of 2,000 people by the Council for Third Age (C3A) was aimed at examining attitudes towards ageing. It provided insights into how a senior's relationship with his friends and family contributes to his overall well-being. Explaining the difference between what Singaporeans say and what they do, C3A chairman Gerard Ee said one reason younger people spend less time with older family members is that they are 'too busy'. Other seniors may not have good relationships with their families, and this accounts for their lack of self-esteem, he added. In some instances, he said, seniors did not prepare enough for their golden years and now find that they either lack money or have few friends to interact with on a daily basis, and this could lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of self-worth. Mr Ee said that because families are smaller these days, it is more important than ever for older folk to have 'networks of people to grow old with'. Melissa Sim simlinoi@sph.com.sg Copyright © 2008 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.