Recent developments in Singapore’s strategies to encourage parenthood, celebrate the achievements of young Singaporeans while providing them with greater opportunities to do so in different areas seem to reflect that the government is diverting more attention, time and capital to the young. However, it would be unfair to claim the Singapore government values the young more than they value the aged. In fact, it has always aimed for a clear-sighted balance to ensure that the nation is a home where the young have exciting opportunities and bright futures and where the old lives their silver years with grace and dignity. Beyond the government’s efforts however, the society can also play an even larger part in supporting elderly individuals such as through positive employment practices and work cultures and eliminating stereotypes. It is not true that the young are valued more than the old in Singapore.
Over the past few years, the Singapore government has developed various elderly-friendly facilities and infrastructure. This is in line with the government’s focus on developing an inclusive society where Singapore would be a place where all Singaporeans, regardless of age, can call home. The integration of elderly-friendly facilities like anti-slip tiles and bathroom railings in the homes of the aged are initiatives undertaken by the Housing Development Board. Also, in order for more seniors to age gracefully within the community and remain close to their loved ones, the Ministry of Health has revamped various neighbourhood areas like Toa Payoh and Bedok so as to locate aged care and support facilities in these areas. These initiatives show that the government is committed to ensuring that the aged can still enjoy quality living.
In tandem with the above, the young are not left out as well. The continued development of educational and sports facilities shows the government’s keen intention to nurture the interests and talents of the younger generation. Programmes like Young Change Makers and SHINE Festival are just a few of the many initiatives planned by the National Youth Council to engage young Singaporeans. The multitude of programmes and initiatives for the young and the old shows that it is myopic to compare the value placed on both groups.
In some instances, there is preferential treatment of the young compared to the aged. This is due to the belief that the aged are less productive, lack innovative ideas and are prone to fall sick. As such, some firms prefer to recruit young workers. Nevertheless, the Singapore government sees the aged as assets in the workplace and has taken steps to change institutional structures to support older workers. For example, it has subsidised the wage bills of companies that they hire older workers through Special Employment Credit and continuously enhances its Retirement and Re-employment Act to help eligible elderly employees stay in the workforce for a longer period of time. Many local companies have been encouraged by the Ministry of Manpower to modify job specifications and operations or redesigning the work for older employees. The perception that the society favours the young more than the aged is thus a flawed one.
The practical nature of Singapore society and the constant desire to further our socio-economic development would lead some to assume that the government tends to invest more in developing the potential of young citizens. But the truth of the matter is that the Singapore government has focused on ensuring that the older workers remain employable and are well taken care of. In fact, it is precisely our practicality that drives the government to see the value in every member in the workforce regardless of their age due to limited manpower. The young are not valued more than the aged in Singapore.