Singapore has one of the world's fastest growing greying population. It is estimated that by 2030, 65 percent of Singapore's population will be elderly. (Yahoo! file photo)
Earlier, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong cited the need to provide more elderly-friendly facilities nearby to help the aged stay active and engaged.
Reasons given by the residents for opposing the centre included spacial constraints, devaluing of property, and the right to enjoy what little space left at the void deck. Another concern is that the area may be considered inauspicious with more deaths or accidents occurring.
In response to the notion of it being “inauspicious”, some netizens called the opposing residents “socially immature” and “close minded”. Others poked fun using an old joke made by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan and suggested that if the residents opposed the idea, they can consider sending their parents to Johor Bahru instead.
But Terence Lee, founder and editor of newnation.sg, had a different opinion. “I don’t think people should be too quick to condemn the residents as they don't really understand their situation. It may truly be the case that the blocks in question are already too cramped.”
He added, “But the government should have also engaged the residents for a consultation before the announcement. Then all this controversy could have been prevented.”
*back into teh abyss of death*
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