SINGAPOREANS performed many gracious acts following the passing of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. But, will we become an even more gracious society where it really matters ("Seniors' flats spruced up, thanks to volunteers"; April 11)?
The signs are positive.
We can draw on Japan as an example of how a gracious society treats its aged.
But we cannot duplicate it exactly. This is because, while the Japanese are aided by their more active lifestyles, particularly outside the cities, Singapore has no countryside to work in, let alone frolic.
Being confined to a small flat certainly does not help. Nor will creating an artificial environment to exercise or socialise in.
The pressures of a fast-growing and constantly changing city-state like ours do not allow one to stop and breathe, let alone smell the roses.
Yet, this is important to the old, who value simple things like walking through a garden, listening to birds chirp or even seeing the sun rise or set.
Can we create an artificial environment that replicates this? I doubt it.
This is why natural corridors must be allowed to thrive and intertwine estates throughout the island - so the elderly can easily access them.
This is the least we can do for our elderly in the twilight of their lives.
Manoraj Rajathurai
The signs are positive.
We can draw on Japan as an example of how a gracious society treats its aged.
But we cannot duplicate it exactly. This is because, while the Japanese are aided by their more active lifestyles, particularly outside the cities, Singapore has no countryside to work in, let alone frolic.
Being confined to a small flat certainly does not help. Nor will creating an artificial environment to exercise or socialise in.
The pressures of a fast-growing and constantly changing city-state like ours do not allow one to stop and breathe, let alone smell the roses.
Yet, this is important to the old, who value simple things like walking through a garden, listening to birds chirp or even seeing the sun rise or set.
Can we create an artificial environment that replicates this? I doubt it.
This is why natural corridors must be allowed to thrive and intertwine estates throughout the island - so the elderly can easily access them.
This is the least we can do for our elderly in the twilight of their lives.
Manoraj Rajathurai
