Abstract
Ageism is described as discrimination or prejudice against older people (Butler 1995 as cited in Palmore 2001 p. 572). Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon and a growing problem worldwide. In Singapore, this problem is further magnified due to Singapore having one of the world’s lowest fertility rates and one of the world’s longest life expectancies. Through the findings of a focus group conducted, this study investigates the challenges faced by a group of the “young” old women population in Singapore. Specifically, this research examines the challenges associated with a distinguished group of “young” old women also known as ‘Tomorrow’s New Old’ or TNO in Singapore. While the term TNO refers to both genders of the mature population, the research cited in this paper chooses to address only the challenges faced by the TNO women. While both the “young” old and “old” old face somewhat similar challenges such as prioritizing financial preparedness and the need for someone to care for them in latter years or when faced with debilitating illness but the characteristics or features that define a TNO and sets them apart is the way they deal with the challenges of ageism. TNO refers to a transitioning mix of homemakers and professionals, between the age of 52 to 62 i.e. those turning 60-70 in 2030. This research, through a focus group discussion of 20 TNO women in Singapore attempts to understand how the challenges TNOs face differ from the challenges faced by the “old” old.
Presenters
Kerindir KaurManager of Research and International Relations, Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, Central Singapore, Singapore
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
AGEISM, AGEING, CHALLENGES, TOMORROW'S NEW OLD, TNO, TRANSITION, RETIREMENT
