SINGAPORE: As the country's population ages rapidly,
Singaporeans need to have a positive mindset toward
elders.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this on Saturday
at a welcome party for Teck Ghee Vista - new replacement flats
built under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme
(SERS).
In his address, Mr Lee highlighted the importance of
recognising the contributions of the nation's seniors.
He said it is only right for the society to support them in their
silver years. On that note, Mr Lee encouraged residents to show
support when the government starts to build studio apartments,
nursing homes and day care centres in the different estates.
Driving home the importance of this, he said Singaporeans should
treat the elderly the way they wish to be treated when they get
old.
On the part of the government, he said it has implemented financial
assistance schemes, including the Enhancement for Active Seniors
and Silver Housing Bonus, announced during Budget 2012.
Citing Teck Ghee Vista as an example of elderly-friendly living, Mr
Lee said that besides facilities, it is also necessary to attract
younger families to mature estates. And this is achieved through
SERS.
Heartened by the manner in which the young and old manage to bond
in Teck Ghee Vista, Mr Lee pointed out that this is the way it
should be in all new towns.
He added that Teck Ghee Vista is a model of how the government had
rejuvenated Ang Mo Kio.
The government started redeveloping the precinct sixteen years ago
to make better use of the land and did so in three phases, from
June 1996 to May 2011. The project has since been completed.
-CNA/ac
