Growing old in Singa pore is an unpleasant and fearful experience. How relevant is such a claim.

General statement -The percentage of elderly above age 65 has increased from 4.9 percent in 1980 to 8.7 percent in 2008. How can growing old in the 21 st century Singapore be an unpleasant and fearful experience? With our facilities and programmes in this modernising society catering to growing number of elderly, they can definitely enjoy the golden years and be at ease. Interpretation/scope -Growing old is the time when you reach the retirement age, it is also a period for fulfilment of interests and enjoying yourself after working arduously to earn money for necessities in life or climbing up the career ladders. Unpleasant and fearful experience occurs when they feel a sense of uselessness, social isolation, lost their position in society, due to no financial support and also poor health, physical illnesses as they are dependent on others. Dualism-Although the elderly in Singapore can enjoy the convenience and accessibility in fast-paced, scientifically developed Singapore with cutting -edge technology, but we cannot deny that they will have problems adjusting and feel helpless as despite Singapore being a small country, it has flourished drastically throughout the generations since independence. Thesis statement-I agree to a small extent that growing old in Singapore is an unpleasant and fearful experience. Community centres organise activities for the elderly to participate in to integrate them to society. The elderly are able to get to know other s with similar interests through the activities forge friendships, recreational activities such as chess, morning exercises . They can also receive basic conversational English lessons from volunteers to improve thei r communication skills and also computer lessons to allow them to stay in touch of the technological advancements . This will prevent them from loneliness and integrate them society as they will have programmes and new companions to talk to if they face pro blems. Over the past ten years, the proportion of the elderly who participated in community activities had increased significantly from 16.8% in 1998 to 40.7% in 2003 and 46.9% in 2008. Most participated in activities organised by the Community Clubs (CCs) , Residents' Committees (RCs), and religious organisations (Chart 2). Thus, growing old in Singapore will be an enjoyable experience for them through the social interaction and bonding with others.

Counter Argument Critics have argued that it is an unpleasant experience as the elderly are not adapted to the drastic change of lifestyle during their youth and old age. Take for example, One in 20 elderly people suffers from depression double of that from age 30. About 5 per cent of those over the age of 65 suffer from dementia, which is the most severe cognitive impairment. They may have to cope with the death of their partner and that of friends receiving no emotional support from other family members. They will feel loneliness as they have lost their companion and their lifestyles begin to change. This is also affected by the rapidly changing society and that they face difficulty in adjusting to a western -influenced way of life. They may only be able to converse in di alect or in their mother tongue and have very low knowledge of English thus being neglected by society . However, many old people are quite resilient in the face of adversity due to coping strategies learned from past experience s and through turbulent times. It is their strength of character that gets them past adversities and adaptable to changing circumstances. It is also a personal choice on whether to be involved with social activities. Thus, they will be able to live their old age to the fullest. The Sample Household Survey (SHS) findings showed that more than 97% of elderly households living in HDB estates were satisfied with their flats, neighbourhood, and the provision of estate facilities in 2008.

Speaking at the launch of the National Wellness Programme, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that relationships will strengthen when husbands and wives take part in activities together. The programme is also targeted at seniors who are alone. "The Wellness Programme aims to reach out to all seniors, particularly those who may be at risk of social isolation. By participating in social interest groups, we hope that the friendship forged among seniors would translate into mutual care and support in times of need," said SM Goh .