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Even in Old Age, Marriage Matters
As the foundation of family life, the benefits of marriage for children are well-known. But what about the elderly? Elderly who never married or are divorced or separated tend to have weaker intergenerational connections, being less likely to provide and receive support from their families. In “super-aged” Singapore, strengthening marriages must be a key priority, even as we look out for vulnerable seniors.
- 2 April 2026
Sandwiched Families: Too Many Ways to Make a “Sandwich”?
Conceptually, there is no one definition of a “sandwiched” family, ranging from those who live together or nearby, to different kinds of support or care provided to young and old. A reasonable estimate suggests there are more than 100,000 sandwiched households in Singapore. Perhaps valuing and supporting people in their caregiving journeys may be a more constructive way forward.
- March 12 2026
How Society Can Help Men and Boys to Flourish
“We cannot succeed as a society if either men or women or both are demoralised and floundering in life.” Cultivate SG executive director Darius Lee spoke with Dr John Hui on a podcast published on 24 August 2025, on the “The State of the Family in Singapore - and What Men Can Do”. Here is an edited extract from the podcast.
- February 9 2026
“Unfiltered – The Family on Trial” Conference 2025 – Presentation of Findings from “Marriage, Parenthood and Success” Survey
Our researcher Daniel Lim shared the findings from Cultivate’s “Marriage, Parenthood and Success” Survey at Cultivate SG's second annual conference, "Unfiltered - The Family on Trial", on 17 November 2025. Cultivate SG commissioned Pureprofile to survey 2,019 Singapore residents aged 21 and above on how societal ideals of success influence family decisions. Key results show marriage and parenthood rank low as markers of personal success compared to career and financial achievements.
- January 9 2026
More For You
Cultivate Culture: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
Tear-jerking Thai film “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” invites us to reflect: Do we see our relationships in purely transactional terms, or do we genuinely love people – especially the elderly and sick – as persons worthy to be loved?
- 20 July 2024
Update from Cultivate Commune: Large Families
Cultivate Commune is a breakfast conversation where we explore how big ideas are planted in real community experiences. In this second Commune on 31 May 2024, two couples with large families shared with us about their joys, challenges and perspectives.
- 1 July 2024
From Third World to First: Lee Kuan Yew’s Take on Family Values
“Singapore depends on the strength and influence of the family to keep society orderly and maintain a culture of thrift, hard work, filial piety and respect for elders and for scholarship and learning.”
- Lee Kuan Yew
- 30 June 2024
