Singapore’s First Intergenerational Co-Living Space: A New Approach to Elder Care and Community Building
Singapore is set to introduce its first intergenerational co-living space in 2025, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to cater to both older residents and students. The project, a collaboration between the Singapore Land Authority, TS Group, and The Assembly Place, will see a former primary school site transformed into a unique living environment with shared facilities designed to promote interaction between different age groups.
With 107 rooms planned, the facility will offer senior-focused amenities such as ground-floor rooms with grab bars and fall detection sensors, along with on-site nurse aides and medical consultations. In addition, residents will have access to shared kitchens, a gym, a community garden, and even a pickleball court. The goal is to provide a holistic living experience that addresses the needs of both older and younger residents.
Intergenerational co-living models have been gaining popularity worldwide, offering solutions to housing challenges while fostering meaningful social interactions across generations. In Singapore, where traditional eldercare options like retirement kampungs and community care apartments exist, this new facility aims to provide a more enriching alternative for seniors. The operators are even considering a benefits program to encourage cross-generational connections, offering rent discounts to young residents who engage with the senior community.
The introduction of this intergenerational co-living space reflects a shifting landscape in Asian societies, where attitudes towards elder care are evolving. While filial piety has long been a cornerstone of caregiving in these cultures, societal changes such as smaller households and the rise of the “sandwich generation” are prompting a reevaluation of traditional caregiving norms. As more individuals choose child-free lifestyles, the need for innovative solutions for elder care will only continue to grow.
This latest development in Singapore follows a trend of innovative solutions for aging populations, such as South Korea’s renovated bathhouses for the elderly. It underscores the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the silver generation and highlights the role that brands can play in addressing these changing demographics. As the world grapples with an aging population, initiatives like the intergenerational co-living space in Singapore offer a glimpse into the future of elder care and the potential for meaningful intergenerational connections.
