In this paper, I propose a flexible Quality of Life (QOL) index tailored specifically for elderly populations in Singapore, aimed at providing policymakers with a quantifiable tool for municipal planning. The index incorporates measurable latent constructs, derived from a qualitative literature review, that reflect key dimensions such as health, social inclusion, and environmental quality, with each dimension equally weighted. The data for this analysis come from open resources, including geographic, demographic, and healthcare datasets from Singaporean government platforms such as data.gov.sg, singstat.gov.sg, moh.gov.sg, chas.sg, and pa.gov.sg. Preliminary results highlight that neighborhoods in the western region of Singapore score lowest on the QOL index, suggesting targeted interventions like enhanced infrastructure investments in these areas. By enabling systematic quantification and comparison of QOL across municipalities, the index supports data-driven urban planning, advancing ageing-in-place strategies. Through this adaptable framework, policymakers can adjust factor weightings, select different latent constructs, or integrate additional data sources to better align with local priorities and objectives, allowing for responsive planning that meets the evolving needs of elderly residents. Ultimately, this QOL index provides a promising approach for local governments to gain valuable insights, align resources, and implement targeted policies to improve the quality of life for aging communities.

Authors:
Anna Karenina Dungca, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Anna is a postgraduate student in Gerontology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakareninadungca

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