Happiness or the lack of it has occupied our national psyche with some suggestion to adopt the Gross National Happiness (GNH) to complement the usual yardsticks like GDP.
Met an extraordinary 75 year old whose radiant outlook to life
might put many youthful ones to shame.
Abode for he and his wife is in the pride of Singapore public
housing HDB that houses about 80% of the population. In-spite of the relatively
superior living conditions in HDB compared to public housing in many countries,
the occupants have largely been infected with fever or fervent wish to upgrade
to private housing. The term upgrade can be a misnomer as it often involves
moving to a smaller home.
.png)
.png)
Amidst ground swell about greater divide between rich and
poor, porosity between class and a less egalitarian habitat, the basic
principles of a just and equal society built upon meritocracy is still very
much in the DNA Singapore and Singaporean. The upgrade fever is further
evidence of a just and meritocratic eco system.
My 75 year old subject proudly proclaims that he is totally
immune to the upgrade fever his HDB dwelling meets most of his needs although
he used belong to the 20% that reside in private housing. The basic upkeep of
the estate in HDB is borne by the government or more precisely the town
councils. There is no sudden compulsory monetary contribution for unexpected
estate upkeep.
The living environment is safe and clean and utilities like
water, electricity and garbage disposal works like clockwork. Amenities like
grocer, market, food and primary health are all within walking distance unlike
most private homes where such amenities are placed further afield.
Public transport like the subway and public bus (that works
on regular schedules ) are all within walking distance as well. Private estates
are generally less well served by public transport and would attract the
attendant ownership of private car that is touted as being one of the most
expensive. A standard 1.6 litre Toyota Altis would set you back by as much as
USD80K and that is only valid for 10 years and not perpetually like in most
countries.
As we age, our healthcare needs will grow geometrically with
age. Subsidy on public healthcare quantum is determined by means testing and
one of the major determinants is value of dwelling in addition to income as a
balanced scoring of income and wealth. Access to affordable healthcare is key
in old age and dwelling in HDB might not be such a bad idea. Not to game the
means testing but rules no matter how crude is necessary to ration limited
healthcare resource.
His parting advice to this younger author “Happiness is mind
over matter. If you do not mind (your circumstances ), it will not matter (to your state of happiness)."
The song 'Money can't buy you Love' is at best a half truth and not a prescription to lessen the pain of poverty of make poverty more acceptable. God forbid. It does buy almost everything save for a limited priceless few like life and love. On the contrary, life without money is almost impossible. Even in difficult circumstances like poor health, money can buy you a more comfortable existence and care though not necessarily true love.
lkypeter@gmail.com Safe Harbor. Please note that information contained in these pages are of a personal nature and does not necessarily reflect that of any companies, organizations or individuals. In addition, some of these opinions are of a forward looking nature. Lastly the facts and opinions contained in these pages might not have been verified for correctness, so please use with caution. Happy Reading. Peter Lye (c) Peter Lye 2014