By Theresa Tan & Jane Ng

THREE-QUARTERS of some 3,000 baby boomers surveyed want to live on their own in their golden years, going by the results of the first study on those now aged between 44 and 61.

Only 37 per cent expect to live with their children. About the same proportion hope to live near at least one of them.

The numbers do not add up to 100 per cent because respondents could pick more than one option.

The study did not find out the reasons for their preferred housing arrangement, but the study's authors put it down to baby boomers being more wary of the likely tensions of living with their children's families; they also value their own independence and privacy.

The study, commissioned by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, was released yesterday.

Associate Professor Angelique Chan and Dr Yap Mui Teng, the study's authors, said little is known about Singapore's one million baby boomers' expectations and views on ageing and retirement.

As this group joins the growing ranks of Singapore's senior citizens, it is crucial to get an insight into their hearts and minds so their needs and concerns can be addressed, they added.

The 88-page report on the study covers areas from this group's retirement plans to the kind of support they expect in their old age. Gender, age and educational level shape their preferred living arrangements and what they expect of their children. For example, more women than men expect their children to support them financially when they are old.

And more early baby boomers (those born between 1947 and 1954) than late baby boomers (those born between 1955 and 1964) expect to live with their children.

Said Prof Chan: 'Older Singaporeans may have been brought up to feel that their children will take care of them in their old age.'

Another notable observation: The better-educated baby boomers are more receptive to living in a nursing home. Of those who say they do not mind living in such a facility, 40 per cent have tertiary education.

A third of those surveyed said they have plans to move out of their current homes. Of this group, almost one in three want smaller homes.

Most baby boomers The Straits Times interviewed said they prefer to live on their own in their golden years.

Take Madam Ong Mei Eng, a 58-year-old mother of two, who said: 'I'm a very straight-talking person. I say what I think. My children understand me, but their spouses may not, so I would rather avoid clashes.'

The study said these baby boomers' housing preferences have important implications for the future demand and supply of public housing. For instance, it is important to assess whether there are enough facilities and help schemes for senior citizens who want to live on their own, Prof Chan said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 10, 2009.