Social Studies Case Study: Ageing population

Strain on working population

Examples: less young people around to do same amount of work than before

Smaller security forces

Examples: lesser young men around to serve army

Increase in demand for more health care and social services

Examples: hospitals,clinics, day-care

Reduction in competitiveness

Examples: lesser young and nimble population to meet challenges

esusure that these people remain contributing members to society

having valuable skillls, knowledge, talent and work experience

adding value to public and private orgnisations and help boost family life

Equalised medical benefits

Both fathers and moters could make medical claims from their employers for medical claims

Since both parents were allowed to claim medical benefits from employers, the financial burden of taking care of the children when they were unwell became less of a burden.

5-days week for the Civil Service

People working in government establishments need not work on Saturdays. They needed to work from Monday to Friday every week

This allowed more time for the civil service employees to spend time with their families.

All these pro family maesure recevedpositive feedback from the public. The success of these policies are on going but in gneral, estimates from 2005-2010 reveal a lackluster population growth amongst Singaporean couples.

Grandparent caregiver relief

If the grandparent tok care of their grandchildren, the couple would receive a tax relief of $3000

This was to enable the family to have some financial relieff while taking care of te chldren and supporting the grandparent at the same time.

Exended maternity leave

Maternity for women was extended from 3 - 4 months

This allowed women to take care of the young one for a longer period and at te sametime, rest longer at home.

Attracting Foreign Talent

In 1989, S'pore government relaxed its immigration policy to attract forein talent with skills that S'pore required. Easier entry into S'pore, subsdized housing & an attractive attractive education package for children were offered to forign who were willing to work in S'pore

By making it easier for forigners to work and live in Singapore, the government hoped that some of these individuals would develop an attachment to the nation and take up permanent residence or citizenship.

The influx of foreigners into Singapore has indeed increased the population of Singpore. An indication of this is establishment of foreign radio stations, restaurants and international schools in Singapore.

Everyone has to play apart in helping nation prepare for an ageing population

Individual Responsibility

As individuals, we should ensure that the elderly we taking care of prepares themselves for the old age by planning early of taking care of themsleves

The elderly should watch thir diet by eating healthier products that are lower in salt, saturated fatand sodium but higher in fire and calcium (Healthy Lifestyle)

At the same time, they should exercise reglarly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.( Healthy Lifestyle)

In these ways, the elderlys will not seek medical treatment as thy are in good health. THERFORE, they will not need to demand for more health care, which puts a strain on the government's resources.

They should also take care of their financial problems so to save enough money to last their retiremetnt year, attend talks on financial planning and read books on financial planning. (Financial Planning)

Family Support

A strong and stable family wll bring a sense of strength for everyone in the family, including the elderly.

Grandparents' Day is celebrated in November to inform families about the value of the elderly which can motiivates the elderly to lead an enriching and balances lives with their loved ones.

These then will help to address the social and emotional needs of an ageing population, specifically the demand for more healthare & social services greatly

THEREFORE, when the elderly needs care due to health failure, the family will be the first to step up to help the elderly.

Communty Support

Equipped with resources and specialized know how to enhance the well-being of senior citizens.

With government subsidies, voluntary welfare organizations help run the community-based services for senior citizens. E.g. Home Nursing Foundation for elders provides immobile elderly with necessary home nursing on a regular basis

Give social & emotional support

Such organizatins involve members of community e.g. hoousewives, students & retirees to help look after the needs of senior citizens

HENCE, community and such voluntary organizaions help address the social & emotional needs of an ageing population with thier offer of medical, social & sometimes emotional support. HENCE, the elderly will remain active & put a strain on the government's resources.

Provide the specialized healthcare & necessary social services for the elderly

Commuity Centrs organize road shows where medical organiaztions offer free health checks & oganize recreational activities which are meant to help the senior citizens to remain physicall, mantally & socially active

The government wants the elderly to be taken care of socially & emotionally & they know that the elderlyshould have the support of their children. HENCE, the government provides the environment for this to take place.

Public Housing Schemes

Allowing housing grants for children who want to live near thier elderlt parents so that the children can be close enough to support their parents emotionally

By allowing these provisions for the elderly, the government ensures that the elderly will have some level of support their children & grandchildren. This so beacause:

the children wil value the advice andguidance of their elderly parents for their experiencese

When the grandchildren came into picture, the elderly feel wanted as they can provide are & guidance for them

The elderly feel emotionally stable & during family functions, they will feel socially apt with their relatives as they are considered a alue member in the family

THEREFORE, the government can prevent taxing the younger people in the country.

Tax Relief

Giving income tax incentive to chidren who take care of their elderly parents' emotional, social & financial needs

Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents

Enacting the Tribnal for the Maintainance of Parents so that the elderly will not be emotionally distressed over children who did not support their parents financiallly. Under this act,they can be brought to court by their parents

Central Provident Fund (CPF)

Ensuring that the eldely have a retirement account which contains a minimum sum so that the elderly will receive monthly payments during their old age.