Living arrangements of community-dwelling older Singaporeans: predictors and consequences

Abstract

In this paper, we examine predictors and consequences of living arrangements among community-dwelling older Singaporeans. We take a holistic approach and consider a range of social and economic as well as emotional and physical wellbeing indicators. Two waves (2009, 2011) of the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly (PHASE) are analysed to (a) provide an overview of living arrangements in 2009 and assess the extent to which living arrangements change by 2011; (b) examine the predictors of living arrangements in 2009; and (c) examine the consequences of living arrangements over a two-year period. The majority (88%) of older Singaporeans co-reside with either their spouse and/or children. A small yet growing proportion live with others (5%) or live alone (6%). Very little change in living arrangements is observed over the two years. Our results show that women, the oldest-old and older adults with fewer children are more likely to live alone. Older adults who live alone are not particularly disadvantaged compared to those who live with their spouse and children or spouse only in their social and economic wellbeing. It is, in fact, older adults who live with their children that are disadvantaged in many aspects of social, economic and mental wellbeing. Measures to engage older adults living with their families (along with those living alone and with others) in broader social activities are imperative.

Living arrangements and cognitive abilities of community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore

“…Either by choice or circumstance, an older person's preference in living arrangements is widely accepted to be affected by health outcomes. 22,59 In Asia, families have traditionally been and continue to be the primary source of care and support for older persons. It is just as likely that older adults with declining cognitive function may live with their children and families to receive better care and support as they age.…”

“…20,21 Conversely, other studies have found that older Asian adults are more likely to be in poor physical and cognitive health when living with their adult children. 22,23 However, little research has examined how living in large family households (i.e. with both children and grandchildren) affects cognitive health in old age.…”

Rural-urban inequalities in poor self-rated health, functional disabilities and depression among Chinese older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 and 2015

“…There are different assessments for functional ability. Most studies assessed functional abilities with BADLs [36][37][38], measured with basic activities, such as eating and toileting.…”

Idosos cuidadores em diferentes arranjos de moradia: comparação do perfil de saúde e de cuidado

“…The expression "living arrangements" refers to the number of people who form a family unit and the generation relations that exist among them (1) . Recently, the characteristics and determining factors of senior citizens' living arrangements have been the target of many studies, since they have important implications for wellbeing and the social interaction, and can define the exposure of the seniors to risk factors, as well as their access to health protection (2) .…”

“…Researches have shown that situations in which the elder lives with other members of the family are related to factors such as culture, health conditions of the elder, social support network, and economic situation. These studies show that there are many different living arrangements according to these factors (1)(2)(3) . Living with a spouse has been considered as one of the most beneficial living arrangements when it comes to the emotional and physical wellbeing of the elder (3)(4) .…”