October 22, 2025

In the early years after Singapore’s independence, there was a clear formula for achieving a desirable lifestyle: securing a well-paying job, raising a family in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, and striving for constant upgrades and social mobility. However, demographic changes have resulted in a rapidly ageing population. Combined with challenging economic and external conditions, these shifts underscore the need for sustainable policies to ensure Singapore citizens can continue to enjoy a reasonably good life throughout their life cycle.

Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser (NUS Department of Sociology and Anthropology (former) & NUS LYKSPP) and Paveena Seah Chia Shih emphasise this necessity in their research. Referring to the World Health Organization and European Union’s Eurostat definitions of ‘quality of life’ (QOL), the researchers define it as “being in a state of economic, social, and psychological health as well as having access to opportunities and resources” for one’s well-being. Their findings, focusing on how to address these demographic challenges, are discussed in ‘Population Change, Demographic Pressure, and the Good Life’ (Social Context, Policies, and Changes in Singapore, 2022).

The researchers first discuss the demographic pressures faced by Singapore. Since 2000, the number of resident births and the total fertility rate have been steadily declining, despite substantial pro-family and pro-natal policies implemented by the government. They attribute this to rising singlehood, later marriages, and the growing appeal of smaller household sizes, coupled with an increase in life expectancy at birth. On a national level, these trends contribute to a rapidly ageing population, evidenced by a 9.6% increase in the elderly proportion between 2000 and 2020, and a resulting manpower crunch.

Recognising these challenges, the researchers propose implementing social policy measures that provide ample opportunities and support across the age spectrum. They acknowledge the state’s efforts to improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of early childhood care and education, e-learning opportunities, and higher tertiary level support to help students apply theoretical learning to real-world settings, thereby offering multiple pathways to success. They also call for recalibrating work-life priorities in Singapore and fostering a healthier corporate culture to improve family formation opportunities. This includes addressing the gender pay gap and workplace discrimination against mothers returning to work after childbirth. Finally, they recognize current efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, services, and affordability for the elderly, but stress the need to continuously employ older workers to enhance their sense of purpose and provide financial security.

The researchers conclude by acknowledging that while government social policies may help mitigate the harmful effects of demographic and social changes, individuals must also play their part by fundamentally resetting traditional definitions of individual success and the meaning of living a ‘good life’. Indeed, this is the crux of achieving a sustainable and inclusive quality of life for all Singaporeans.

Read the article here.