Forum: Keep elderly neighbours together when relocating them
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As we age, many of us end up living alone after our spouse dies. Our children may have their own families and homes elsewhere.
For many seniors, especially those who have lived in the same estate for 50 years or more, neighbours become their closest friends _ people who keep loneliness away and lend a helping hand in times of need.
If and when HDB relocates residents from old estates to new ones, these long-time neighbours may be separated. The result is renewed loneliness and distress.
Living alone in old age can be sad and stressful, and may even lead to mental health issues, dementia or depression.
There have been cases where the death of elderly residents remains unnoticed for days.
I hope HDB will consider letting elderly residents who are close friends be allocated flats near one another when they are relocated. This would help them continue supporting one another and maintain their social bonds.
As Singapore’s population ages, citizens need the Government’s support as well as those around them.
Tony Wee Gim Leong
