Evolving perspectives on successful aging in Singapore: Multigenerational insights from focus groups

Abstract Understanding what successful aging means to future older adults (currently aged 30s-50s) is crucial for providing relevant support that enables them to age successfully. Their expectations and needs may vary from those of current older adults (60+), shaped by different socio-economic and cultural contexts. While most research in successful aging focuses on current older adults, limited work has been done among the younger generations. Our study aimed to fill this gap by summarizing novel insights on successful aging from multiple generations of adults. Our study engaged 35 participants, and they were from diverse age groups (30s to 60s and over), genders, income levels, and ethnicities (Chinese, Malay, Indian). Each participant completed one focus group discussion which lasted up to 90-minutes. We used semi-structured questions, scenarios, and descriptions of community-based programs around Asia. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of the data. Successful aging involves embracing circumstances: 1. Everchanging life journey, 2. Unconventional family structure, and 3. Emerging technology. First, everchanging life journey is impacted by various factors such as health, finances, and social roles. Second, unconventional family structure is shaped by younger generations’ different perspectives towards marriage, children, and living arrangements. Third, emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, applications, and robots is being used to advance financial planning, health management, and social connectedness. Younger generations in our study perceived successful aging as embracing three circumstances, i.e., everchanging life journey, unconventional family structure, and emerging technology. A series of future studies is warranted to inform services providers about these three circumstances and to facilitate them to use these insights to develop new programs. This is to optimize the future of successful aging among our younger generations. Key messages • Understanding younger generations’ needs is key to tailoring support for successful aging. • Future research could consider their evolving perspectives and needs to recommend appropriate public health support in their aging process.