- HDB launches Silver Upgrading Programme for 26 older precincts.
- 4 housing areas in Ang Mo Kio will be the first to benefit.
- Programme aims to help seniors age in place comfortably.
Singapore’s HDB is making older neighbourhoods more senior-friendly with new upgrades.
- HDB’s New Plan for Older Neighbourhoods
- What Will the Upgrades Could Include?
- How Many Areas Will Get Upgrades?
- Where Will the Silver Upgrading Start?
- Who Will Pay for the Upgrades?
- How Will HDB Know What Seniors Want?
- Why is This Programme Important?
- What About Older Areas That Missed Out Before?
- What’s Next for the SUP?
HDB’s New Plan for Older Neighbourhoods
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has a new plan to help seniors.
It’s called the Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP).
This plan will make older HDB areas better for seniors to live in.
According to HDB, “HDB is committed to enhancing the liveability of our homes and neighbourhoods, and create an environment where seniors can live and age-in-place independently within their communities.”
What Will the Upgrades Could Include?
- Therapeutic gardens
- Fitness trails
- Dementia-friendly design
- 3-Generation playgrounds
These upgrades will help seniors stay active and healthy.
They will also make it easier for seniors to move around safely.
How Many Areas Will Get Upgrades?
Over the next five years, 26 areas will get upgrades.
These areas are in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh.
HDB chose these areas because they have more older residents than other parts of Singapore.
Where Will the Silver Upgrading Start?
The SUP will start in four areas of Ang Mo Kio Town.
These areas are in Chong Boon.
The work will begin in the second quarter of 2025.
It should finish by the second half of 2026.
SUP will gradually reach 22 more areas in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh in the next 5 years.
All work should be done by 2029.
Who Will Pay for the Upgrades?
The Singapore Government will pay for the silver upgrading.
Residents don’t have to pay anything for these improvements.
This is good news for seniors who live in these areas.
How Will HDB Know What Seniors Want?
HDB will ask seniors what they need.
They will do this through a Community Improvement Walk (CIW).
The first CIW will be on 25 August 2024.
About 30 seniors will take part.
HDB said, “HDB will engage residents to better understand their needs and seek their views on the enhancements they hope to see in their precincts.”
Why is This Programme Important?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Independence | Seniors can live on their own for longer |
| Community | Seniors can interact more with neighbours |
| Safety | Areas will be safer for seniors to move around |
| Health | Seniors can stay active with new facilities |
The SUP is part of a bigger plan called Age Well SG.
This plan helps seniors live well as they get older.
It’s important because Singapore’s population is getting older.
What About Older Areas That Missed Out Before?
Some older areas didn’t get upgrades under previous programmes.
HDB says, “The SUP will target such older precincts to ensure that they can also enjoy these senior-friendly enhancements.”
This means more seniors will benefit from silver upgrading.
What’s Next for the SUP?
After the first four areas in Ang Mo Kio, more areas will get HDB upgrades.
HDB will keep checking which areas need help the most.
They will focus on places with many residents aged 55 and above.
This programme shows that Singapore is serious about helping its older residents.
The Silver Upgrading Programme is a big step to make Singapore more senior-friendly.
