Kalyani Mehta

Living arrangements of the elderly in Singapore: Cultural norms in transition.

While more than 85% of the elderly in Singapore co-reside with their children, the dynamics behind this figure can only be understood through qualitative research that considers the Singaporean multi-cultural and urban context. The cultural determinants affecting living arrangements in the 3 major ethnic groups differ. In addition, within each group, cultural norms were undergoing transitions, though at different paces. More interestingly, normative obligations, which in the past had a strong impact on patterns of living arrangements, were treated as only 1 consideration among other practical and emotional issues. External influences like government housing policies, modern lifestyles, and emigration also play a part in explaining the evolving patterns of living arrangements.

Respect redefined: focus group insights from Singapore.

This article re-examines the meaning of the concept of respect within the context of a fast modernizing Asian multicultural society—Singapore. Two key findings emerge. First, the meaning of respect both from the perspective of the aged and the middle-aged generation has shifted from obedience to courteous behavior. Second, in the majority of focus groups members concurred that the degree of respect accorded to elders has in general decreased. The focus group methodology was used in this research. Bearing in mind the limited sample size (88 participants) these findings alert us to the need for social scientists to monitor perceptual shifts in meaning of concepts critical in the sphere of interpersonal relationships. The findings throw light on the subjective views of intergenerational relations within the family as well as the community. As such, they would be valuable to counselors, social workers, and family therapists.

The impact of religious beliefs and practices on aging: A cross-cultural comparison

Abstract Using indepth interviews and focus group data generated from elderly men and women in Singapore, this article focuses on the impact of religious beliefs and practices on their aging experience. The cross-cultural comparison deals with the Malay community comprising Muslims, and the Indian community comprising Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and a Jain. The research demonstrates the positive influence of religion at the personal and social levels on the adjustment process in late life. Religion served as an important thread of integration in old age if it had been pan of the childhood socialization process and had been sustained through the adult years of the individual. The transmission of religious education was emphasized in both communities, and some sensitivity regarding modification of religious teachings to suit the needs of younger generations was recognized in the Indian community.

Intergenerational influence in Singapore and Taiwan: The role of the elderly in family decisions

This research examines integenerational decision-making in Singapore and Taiwan. The focus is on elderly individuals and the extent to which they report being involved in influencing important family matters. The data used in the analysis were collected in focus group interviews and household-level surveys of the elderly (defined as ages 60 and over) in Singapore and Taiwan. Both survey samples were national probability samples. Everything else being equal, the extent to which seniors are consulted in family decisions declines with age and failing health in both countries. Whether they live in rural or urban places within Taiwan is also significant, and depending upon the context, socioeconomic variables such as home-ownership, employment status, and education further help predict to what degree the elderly are consulted in family decisions.

Filial piety revisited in the context of modernizing Asian societies

This paper discusses the concept of filial piety in the context of social changes in Asia, in particular Singapore. The changing meaning and expression of this concept, which is also a cultural value, has to be researched by Asian gerontologists. The empirical research in Singapore shows that while this concept is still considered important its definition is shifting.

Intergenerational Exchanges: Qualitative Evidence from Singapore

The paper compares the findings on intergenerational exchanges from two sets of focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in Singapore. The FGDs were held among the Chinese, Malay and Indian elderly (above 60 years), the near elderly (50-59 years) and adult children (30-49 years). The findings indicated that there was a considerable amount of support exchanges between the older generations and their children. Elderly men tended to perform tasks outside the home, while elderly womens functions were usually restricted within the home. While the near elderly were active both in the workforce and at home, they had lower expectations from their children regarding support in old age in contrast to the elderly. Cross-cultural nuances emerged. The Chinese tended to state their future expectations, especially financial, clearly to their children while the Malays and Indians left it to the conscience of their offspring. Across all the ethnic groups, participants reiterated their desire to save and provide inheritance to their children, although cultural priorities differed.

Singapore Social Work Students: Attitudes toward Older Adults

Using the Sanders, Montgomery, Pittman and Balkwell (1984) instrument, this study found that the attitudes of a sample of undergraduate Singaporean students (n = 201) toward older adults were in the neutral range. A small minority (5.6%) was planning a career in gerontology. Comparisons of the findings were made with an American sample. Implications for social work education and future research were discussed.

Cultural Scripts and the Social Integration of Older People

The cultural strategies for the social integration of older people within their families of the three major ethnic groups in Singapore, the Chinese, Malays and Indians, is the focus of this paper. Analysis of data reveals three underlying principles, namely, reciprocity, elders as transmitters of cultural heritage, and the social significance of auspicious days and festivals. Taken together, the principles and strategies indicate the salient impact of cultural factors on the subjective experience of old age.

Interdependence in Asian Families: The Singapore Case

Abstract The Asian extended family has been characterized by the principle of ‘interdependence’ between generations in praxis. In gerontological literature, it is known as ‘generalized reciprocity’ which extends between generations. To explore the concept of interdependence further, and to examine its translation into reality within multigenerational families, a qualitative research study involving three-generation families was conducted in Singapore. The results of 30 interviews are reported from a total of 10 families. The different aspects of interdependence and its impact on the emotional components of relationships between generations will be described, within the context of a fast modernizing city. The implications of findings for policies, services and intergenerational programs conclude the paper.

Organization and delivery of long-term care in Singapore: present issues and future challenges.

Summary This paper focuses on the Singaporean model of long-term care for older people. With only about 2% of the older population living in institutions, the mainstay of long-term care is community care. The reader is provided an overview of the Singaporean services, including case management, followed by a discussion of the current issues and future challenges. In keeping with the prospect of a rapidly aging population profile, the Singapore government plays a leading role in framing policy and planning for future needs of this sector of the population.