Part 5/9:
Impact on Daily Life and Access to Amenities
Post-relocation, many elderly residents face reduced access to daily necessities. Previously, they could walk to their local hawker centers, markets, and community centers, often within minutes. Now, increased distances—sometimes as much as 300 meters or more—pose physical barriers, especially for those with mobility issues.
This spatial dislocation results in reduced social participation, heightening risks of isolation, loneliness, and associated health problems such as hypertension, depression, and cognitive decline. A survey of over 500 elderly individuals revealed that physical distance directly correlates with community engagement and overall health.