Over 60% of older adults make weekly mall visits, study finds

Most visit for dining and essentials, study finds.

More than 60% of older adults visit suburban malls at least once a week, with 77.3% citing dining out and 91.8% reporting purchases of necessities and non-essentials as key reasons for their visits, according to a joint study by Frasers Property Singapore and the Singapore Management University (SMU) Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA).

The study, based on a July 2025 survey of 2,013 respondents aged 48 and above, finds that suburban malls are used for more than retail transactions.

Window shopping was selected by 54.3% of respondents, whilst 23.8% reported taking strolls during visits. A majority at 66.9% visit with companions, most commonly family members.

Convenience is a key factor shaping mall choice. Public transport access was selected by 69.3% of respondents, followed by proximity to home at 41.5% and tenant mix at 40.4%.

Transport patterns reflect this, with 43.5% travelling by bus, 35.4% walking, 19.2% driving, and 1.8% taking taxis.

Use of mall facilities also points to demand for comfort and support features.

Resting areas were used by 62.3% of respondents, followed by community spaces and services such as libraries and clinics at 43.6%. Mall directories at 37.7%, disability-friendly facilities at 37.6% and Wi-Fi at 34.4% were also commonly used.

Spending levels remain relatively modest. A majority at 56.9% spend less than $100 per week at suburban malls, whilst 34.8% spend between $100 and $200. Smaller shares spend $200 to $300 or more than $300 at 6.4% and 2% respectively.

Senior citizen discounts are the most preferred incentive, selected by 73.4% of respondents. This is followed by retail promotions and sales at 41.3%, loyalty programmes at 40.6%, off-peak discounts at 31.3% and mall redemptions at 30.9%.

In terms of activities, food festivals were the most preferred at 78.9%, followed by retail promotions and sales at 41.3%, electronics and technology events at 35.8% and travel and adventure expos at 31.4%.

The study also identifies differences in spending behaviour across demographic groups with higher spending being more common among younger seniors and private housing residents. 

Amongst respondents spending $200 to $300 per week, 20% were below 50 years old, whilst 11.6% were private housing residents.

Taxi users and drivers are also more likely to fall into higher spending brackets compared with those who walk or use buses.

Frequency of visits is linked to transport mode. Amongst those visiting several times a week, 41.6% walk and 27.2% take buses. In contrast, more than half of taxi users reported visiting only once to three times a month.

Regular users are also more likely to use community spaces. Amongst respondents who reported using such facilities, 33.5% visit several times a week, compared with 29.5% amongst non-users