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Walking down the streets of Chinatown, many will be attracted to the bustling street life and cultures of a ethnic neighborhood. But few would notice the existence of a group of elderly who roam the streets as their homes, form of leisure or income. Take a look at Bugis Street or Little India, there aren't many, but there are some. The same could be said for many areas of Singapore.

These group of elderly spend their remaining years in isolation, childless or neglected by their disrespectful children. They spend the day collecting recycled materials like drink cans and cardboards, with some even begging for money in the crowded streets. The minuscule money collected from selling scraps and begging pays for their next humble meal with little or nothing left as savings.

Some more fortunate ones have a shelter over their heads are considered lucky, but still there are a handful without one, homeless. Many call the side of an alley or the public bench on the streets their home, with old newspapers and cardboards acting as their bedding and comfort. They spend the twilight in solemn, sometimes with wind howling and rain lashing down to their weak and fragile bodies.

With no one to speak to and no one to care for them, they keep to themselves. Their free time is spent lazing around the neighborhood, taking a nap on the bench or any space or corners they could find, creating a public eyesore. These have a negative effect on them. They become quiet and solitude, turning violent to anyone who interferes with their lives.

On the other hand, the standard of living has been rising over the years and our country growing ever stronger. The majority of Singaporeans live in modern HDB flats, some even living in private estates. Being economically stable, we do not have to worry about any major issues. We go shopping or sometimes play the latest video games during our free time. Moreover and more importantly, many of us have the company of our family and friends whom we can interact with.

Even with all these, many of us are still unsatisfied with life. we are always aiming for more, aiming for the best, sometimes aiming for things irrelevant to us. But compared to these elderly, they are just aiming to get over the next day of their life. What an irony of life.