Singapore’s baby push has a blind spot: Grandparents who need care

In this commentary, Prof Euston Quah, Albert Winsemius chair professor of economics and director of the Economic Growth Centre at NTU and Dr Eugene Or, a lecturer at SUSS, argue that if Singapore wants more babies, the Government must make eldercare more manageable. Home help, medical escorts, respite and workplace support are fertility policies too. Eldercare can consume time, money and energy needed for dating, marriage and children. In other words, the demands associated with care for an ageing population can worsen the problem of low fertility. Singaporeans should not have to choose between being good children and becoming parents. Making room for the next generation begins with giving today’s adults the support to care for the generation before them—and still build families of their own.