Su Aw1, Gerald Koh2, Yeon Ju Oh3, Mee Lian Wong4, Hubertus J M Vrijhoef5, Susana Concordo Harding6, Mary Ann B Geronimo7, Cecilia Yoon Fong Lai8, Zoe J L Hildon9. 1. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephawsu@nus.edu.sg. 2. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephkohch@nus.edu.sg. 3. National Information Society Agency, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: oyeonj@nia.or.kr. 4. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephwml@nus.edu.sg. 5. Department of Patient and Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Department of Family Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Electronic address: b.vrijhoef@mumc.nl. 6. Tsao Foundation, Singapore. Electronic address: susanaharding@tsaofoundation.org. 7. Tsao Foundation, Singapore. Electronic address: mbgeronimo@tsaofoundation.org. 8. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephlyfcm@nus.edu.sg. 9. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, Department of Global Health and Development, United Kingdom; Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States. Electronic address: zhildon1@jhu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify and explain the continuum in which older people in Singapore participate in community and social life, highlighting the influence of culture and policy context on social participation. METHODS: Using an ethnographic approach in a neighbourhood (n=109), we conducted focus groups with older adults of different ethnicities, exploring experiences of social participation. Next, participants took 50 photographs relating to 'lives of elders', showcasing the socio-ecological context that influenced social participation. Lastly, go-along interviews were conducted in various precincts with community leaders. RESULTS: A continuum of social participation emerged among older adults, ranging from (1) marginalization and exclusion, to (2) 'comfort-zoning' alone (3) seeking consistent social interactions, (4) expansion of social network, and (5) giving back to society. Seeking consistent social interactions was shaped by a preference for cultural grouping and ethnic values, but also a desire for emotional safety. Attitudes about expanding one's social network depended on the psychosocial adjustment of the older person to the prospect of gossip and 'trouble' of managing social relations. Despite the societal desirability of an active ageing lifestyle, cultural scripts emphasizing family meant older adults organized participation in social and community life, around family responsibilities. Institutionalizing family reliance in Singapore's welfare approach penalized lower-income older adults with little family support from accessing subsidies, and left some living on the margins. DISCUSSION: To promote inclusiveness, ageing programs should address preferences for social participation, overcoming barriers at the individual, ethnic culture and policy level.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify and explain the continuum in which older people in Singapore participate in community and social life, highlighting the influence of culture and policy context on social participation. METHODS: Using an ethnographic approach in a neighbourhood (n=109), we conducted focus groups with older adults of different ethnicities, exploring experiences of social participation. Next, participants took 50 photographs relating to 'lives of elders', showcasing the socio-ecological context that influenced social participation. Lastly, go-along interviews were conducted in various precincts with community leaders. RESULTS: A continuum of social participation emerged among older adults, ranging from (1) marginalization and exclusion, to (2) 'comfort-zoning' alone (3) seeking consistent social interactions, (4) expansion of social network, and (5) giving back to society. Seeking consistent social interactions was shaped by a preference for cultural grouping and ethnic values, but also a desire for emotional safety. Attitudes about expanding one's social network depended on the psychosocial adjustment of the older person to the prospect of gossip and 'trouble' of managing social relations. Despite the societal desirability of an active ageing lifestyle, cultural scripts emphasizing family meant older adults organized participation in social and community life, around family responsibilities. Institutionalizing family reliance in Singapore's welfare approach penalized lower-income older adults with little family support from accessing subsidies, and left some living on the margins. DISCUSSION: To promote inclusiveness, ageing programs should address preferences for social participation, overcoming barriers at the individual, ethnic culture and policy level.
Authors: Su Aw; Gerald C H Koh; Chuen Seng Tan; Mee Lian Wong; Hubertus J M Vrijhoef; Susana Concordo Harding; Mary Ann B Geronimo; Zoe J L Hildon Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2019-10-09 Impact factor: 3.921
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Authors: Su Aw; Gerald C H Koh; Chuen Seng Tan; Mee Lian Wong; Hubertus J M Vrijhoef; Susana Concordo Harding; Mary Ann B Geronimo; Zoe J L Hildon Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2019-10-30 Impact factor: 3.921
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