Old folks in Singapore an asset

Study finds they give more help than they receive from their families, compared with the elderly elsewhere in Asia

By Carolyn Quek

COMPARED with old folk in other Asian states, the elderly in Singapore are contributing both practically and financially to their families, according to a 2008 global ageing study by Oxford University.

Unfortunately, they also get less support of the same kind from their children and grandchildren.

Said British gerontologist Sarah Harper, one of the researchers behind the study: 'We have this idea that older people are a burden on our society but that's because we tend to look at it through our tax system, that they are not in work.'

This is far from the truth, because the study showed that older people still made significant contributions towards their loved ones at home, she said yesterday, in presenting the study at a conference by the International Consortium for Intergenerational Programmes.

Around 1,000 seniors each from various places worldwide were asked if they had given financial and practical support to their family members over a six-month period.

The study also asked respondents - aged above 55 - if their children or grandchildren had done the same for them.

Clivebenss

30 Apr 10, 09:16

Old folks here need to keep out of sight.

^Acid^ aka s|aO^eH~

30 Apr 10, 09:34

old folk is treasure...

jia you yi lao... ru you yi bao...

Clivebenss

1 May 10, 02:34

littlemissbonkers

1 May 10, 02:37

This is a culture thing...we should all learn to respect the elderly from young...pity not many do...

Clivebenss

1 May 10, 02:42

only if the eldery contribute... as what the report means.

littlemissbonkers

1 May 10, 02:46

Originally posted by Clivebenss:

only if the eldery contribute... as what the report means.

Hmmm I think most do. They contribute by doing house chores or babysitting their grandkids....by the way....they have already contributed their share in their youth! Why squabble over how much they contribute now? It's their golden years!

Clivebenss

1 May 10, 02:50

Originally posted by littlemissbonkers:

Hmmm I think most do. They contribute by doing house chores or babysitting their grandkids....by the way....they have already contributed their share in their youth! Why squabble over how much they contribute now? It's their golden years!

Golden but not trouble free years.

littlemissbonkers

1 May 10, 02:56

Originally posted by Clivebenss:

Golden but not trouble free years.