We're building a vibrant community where all ages thrive with strong social bonds, lifelong care, and innovative programmes adding life to years, not just years to life.
Focusing on 6 key areas, we work closely with residents and partners to co-develop solutions and measure their impact, ensuring a supportive and inclusive community.
The Baseline Study is a cornerstone of the Health District @ Queenstown initiative, designed to better understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of our vibrant community.
Since September 2023, a research team from the National University of Singapore has been conducting a multi-phase Baseline Study to better understand the well-being, health, and daily experiences of Queenstown residents.
The team engaged over 5,000 Queenstown residents from diverse backgrounds through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
By gaining deeper insights into community well-being, the study aims to inform initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents in Queenstown and beyond.
Phase 1 revealed the vital role of social connections, trust, and community cohesion in promoting well-being and healthy longevity.
Data from NUS Baseline Study, involving over 5,000 Queenstown residents through surveys, interviews, and discussions.
Health and well-being are shaped by a combination of physical, mental, and social factors, including social connections, the living environment, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Integrating these factors into national health initiatives can help individuals maintain their well-being at every stage of life, supporting more active and fulfilling lives.
Health District @ Queenstown (HD@QT) takes a multi-sector and multi-disciplinary approach to developing sustainable solutions that:
While mental health improves with age, many older adults are less engaged in social and physical activities.
To encourage meaningful engagement, HD@QT has introduced initiatives to foster social connections and lifelong participation, including:
About 25 per cent of younger adults (aged 21 to 34 years old) reported experiencing less-than-optimal health, and some age-related issues, such as limited mobility and sensory impairment, may begin before the age of 50.
To support residents in maintaining their well-being, the National University Health System (NUHS) launched Health Together in May 2023. This initiative, in collaboration with community partners, encourages residents in the western region of Singapore to take charge of their health through:
Additionally, initiatives like Happy Village @ Mei Ling provide integrated health and social care services to holistically support older adults, addressing both physical health and social well-being.
Among respondents aged 36 years old and above, more than half have sufficient savings for short-term needs, i.e. they have sufficient savings to sustain six or more months of expenses.
However, the study also showed that full-time employment starts to decline from 50 years old, which may indicate risks for future financial security.
To enhance financial security for mature workers, community initiatives to improve financial literacy and provide better employment support for mature workers could be explored.
Findings indicate that:
Community-driven initiatives can build on this foundation to further strengthen social cohesion. For example:
These findings reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to health and align with the objectives of HD@QT. They will help the team better understand residents’ needs and assess the overall impact of HD@QT’s initiatives in supporting physical, mental, and social well-being.
Phase 2 of the Baseline Study survey is currently in progress and expected to be completed by mid-2025.