Current research suggests that the COVID‐19 pandemic adversely impacts well‐being. This study examined how subjective well‐being (SWB) and psychological well‐being (PWB) in Singapore were affected during the pandemic, and the factors that were important to SWB. A representative sample of 999 respondents completed an online survey during the pandemic in August 2020 (after a lockdown was lifted). Two hundred and thirty‐two respondents completed the follow‐up Wave 2 survey 4 months later. Analyses showed that SWB and PWB during the pandemic were significantly lower than the prepandemic period. However, by Wave 2, well‐being levels recovered to levels similar to those observed in the prepandemic period. Regression analyses showed that previously established key determinants of SWB were still important predictors during the pandemic. Specifically, neuroticism and financial satisfaction were strongly associated with all three major SWB components. PWB, particularly in terms of meeting one's psychological needs for autonomy and mastery, was also closely related to SWB. The importance of financial satisfaction suggests that one avenue to buffer the detrimental effects of the pandemic on well‐being would be to formulate economic policies that can alleviate the pandemic's negative financial impact.

No abstract

Singapore’s life expectancy at birth and at age 65 continues to improve. Although this is a positive development, it is necessary to understand how much of this increased life expectancy is spent with and without mobility limitations. This research uses the latest round of the National Survey of Senior Citizens to examine the situation in 2011 and the possible changes that may have occurred since the last survey in 2005. It seeks to add to earlier research in this area in Singapore and uses the prevalence-based Sullivan method to calculate lifetime free of mobility limitations for this population. Pertinent conclusions drawn from this research include evidence pointing to changing prevalence rates among the older adult population and observations that suggest the possibility of a compression of morbidity for this population in 2011 compared with an expansion of morbidity observed in the previous survey conducted in 2005. The research also shows that women continue to be disadvantaged as they age compared with men.

Drawing on governmental statements, press releases and major news reports on COVID-19 related measures, support and social issues, we illustrate and examine the challenges families are facing in Singapore during the pandemic. Employing a dual approach, we illustrate the extent of various institutional support and resources for families offered by the government in tandem with social distancing measures to restrict social activities, and closure of non-essential business, and also document issues related to the economy, education, family interactions and mental well-being of families from different social backgrounds. This approach enables us to show the extent to which Singaporean families have adapted to the different economic and social stressors and how institutional support has been utilized as a catalyst to resilience. The pandemic as a force of social change demands urgent research on the social impact on and resilience of families in Singapore. Future research directions should include children’s development with the interaction of family socioeconomic conditions, focus on mental well-being of all generations in the family, continuous safeguard of victims of domestic violence, empowerment, and investigations of the shifting family values. A concerted research strategy will offer the opportunity for a better understanding of the paradigm shift experienced by Singaporean families, and, to identify policy implications on strengthening the resilience of families.

No abstract