Aging & Social Change: Twelfth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Singapore, home to five million people is experiencing a rise in ageing population in the recent years. Currently, 17.6% of Singapore’s population is aged 65 and above. By 2030, there is an expected 25% increase, i.e., more than 900,000. The escalating ageing population in Singapore thus raises questions pertaining to the quality of life of seniors aged 65 and above. Set against this backdrop, this anthropological study that investigated seniors’ travel experiences using public transport brings to the forefront some issues that illuminate how the seniors are able to live and function independently. Our study utilised a qualitative and empirical methodology over a 10-month period to examine 60 Singapore seniors’ travel experiences when using public transport. Qualitative data was gathered using go-along, travel diaries and focus group interviews. In addition, a short survey aided in gathering participant demographics In this paper, we focus on the psychosocial environment and wellness, which were two of the major themes that emerged from the data. The psychosocial environment comprised of the senior commuters and those within their immediate environment. In most cases, these were the bus drivers and their fellow commuters. The second theme, wellness, referred to the role that lifestyle and social engagement played in seniors’ lives. Specifically, we considered their concerns, the barriers that they faced as well as their coping strategies and suggestions for future improvements in Singapore’s public transport system. We, as researchers, also provide suggestions for policy and future research.