The College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well (ENgAGE), which it says will take the lead in enhancing living environments that foster the physical, psychological and social well-being of individuals across all age groups, particularly in response to the challenges brought about by demographic shifts and climate change.
ENgAGE will enhance Singapore’s ongoing efforts to explore innovative ways to support older adults, as the nation prepares for an increasingly ageing population. By 2030, about one in four Singaporeans is expected to be above the age of 65, and about 83,000 older people will be living alone, while around 100,000 older people will have mild disabilities. Creating inclusive living spaces that meet the diverse needs, preferences and aspirations of older persons is, therefore, crucial.
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The centre will leverage research capabilities in areas such as urban planning, architecture, social sciences, medicine and engineering, to coordinate and consolidate place-based, ageing-related research, education and resources locally and internationally.
‘The launch of ENgAGE represents a pivotal step in our commitment to improving quality of life and well-being for all,’ said Professor Heng Chye Kiang, deputy dean (research and innovation) of NUS CDE. ‘By deepening our understanding of how ageing impacts communities across Asia, ENgAGE will lead the way in creating environments that promote health, independence and dignity throughout all stages of life. The centre’s core team from the Department of Architecture is already actively collaborating with researchers from various departments across NUS, as well as external partners, to bring together the diverse perspectives necessary to address these complex issues.’
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To achieve its aim of creating sustainable and inclusive living environments in Singapore, ENgAGE will focus on four key areas: research, aiming to be a premier research hub focusing on the connection between ageing and the built environment, conducting extensive studies and formulating practical solutions; education, aiming to coordinate specialised courses and modules focused on ageing-related issues, for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges surrounding ageing; global collaboration, aiming to leverage global expertise and perspectives to enrich ENgAGE’s research and educational initiatives through partnerships and collaborations with international institutions; and community resources, creating an information resource centre to provide professionals and the public with easy access to research findings, expert insights and resources.
ENgAGE’s research activities are organised under three pillars aimed at understanding the cultural, social and environmental factors influencing the desire and ability of older adults to age in their homes within an Asian context; investigating how environmental design impacts cognitive health and exploring innovative design strategies to promote brain health in ageing populations; and addressing the implications of climate change on ageing populations, especially in Asia, and developing resilient and sustainable living environments.
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Among ENgAGE’s research activities is the Tentacles project, which aims to improve pedestrian connections between Alexandra Hospital, Queenstown MRT station and the Mei Ling/Stirling neighbourhood, and to enable ageing-in-place while enhancing the overall well-being of Mei Ling/Stirling residents.
‘Being part of the co-design process for the Tentacles projects has been a most valuable and meaningful experience,’ said Ms Tan Chia Chia, a long-time Queenstown resident who is currently participating in the project with her mother. ‘The value comes from knowing our voices from the ground matters, are listened to and will be acted upon by the relevant authorities. As a community, it takes both top–down and ground–up actions to co-create a conducive and supportive environment that we will be happy living in with our loved ones.’
‘The complex societal challenges we face today cannot be solved by a single discipline. At the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well, we recognise older persons as valuable assets to our community and believe that the integration of their voices will be critical in improving the everyday lives of not only the ageing population, but for all generations,’ said Associate Professor Emi Kiyota, director of the Centre for Environment and Ageing Well at NUS CDE. ‘ENgAGE is dedicated to advocating for a collective approach to co-designing a future where ageing is celebrated, and where the potential for meaningful growth throughout life is embraced by all.’