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- Mar 16, 2017
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Let’s be real: many elderly Singaporeans aren’t working because they want to, but because they have to. While we often hear about active aging and the joy of staying productive, the truth is that much of our elderly population is slogging it out due to financial necessity. If they could afford it, most would likely be enjoying leisurely activities like traveling, playing mahjong, or spending time with their families, not working long hours in physically demanding jobs or “exercising” according to disgraced ex-Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin.
The reality is that a lot of seniors simply don’t have enough retirement savings. Many spent their working years prioritizing family needs, paying for mortgages, children’s education, or daily expenses, often leaving little for themselves. By the time they hit retirement age, their CPF balances aren’t enough to sustain them for the rest of their lives, especially with rising costs.
And let’s talk about the cost of living. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Healthcare, food, utilities, it all adds up quickly. Even with government subsidies or CPF Life payouts, many elderly find it hard to make ends meet. For those without family support or additional savings, continuing to work isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity.
The idea that seniors work because they “want to stay active” often feels like sugarcoating. Of course, there are some who genuinely enjoy keeping busy, but for the majority, it’s about survival. If you gave them the choice between slogging it out in a cleaning job or enjoying their golden years in leisure, I think we all know what they’d choose.
We need to stop gaslighting this situation and face the facts. Many elderly Singaporeans are working because they have no choice, not because they enjoy it. If we want to call ourselves a progressive society, we should be focusing on creating stronger support systems so that no senior has to work just to get by. Let’s give them the dignity of a real retirement.
Related : https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/the-real-motive-behind-return-your-tray-movement.378622/
The reality is that a lot of seniors simply don’t have enough retirement savings. Many spent their working years prioritizing family needs, paying for mortgages, children’s education, or daily expenses, often leaving little for themselves. By the time they hit retirement age, their CPF balances aren’t enough to sustain them for the rest of their lives, especially with rising costs.
And let’s talk about the cost of living. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Healthcare, food, utilities, it all adds up quickly. Even with government subsidies or CPF Life payouts, many elderly find it hard to make ends meet. For those without family support or additional savings, continuing to work isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity.
The idea that seniors work because they “want to stay active” often feels like sugarcoating. Of course, there are some who genuinely enjoy keeping busy, but for the majority, it’s about survival. If you gave them the choice between slogging it out in a cleaning job or enjoying their golden years in leisure, I think we all know what they’d choose.
We need to stop gaslighting this situation and face the facts. Many elderly Singaporeans are working because they have no choice, not because they enjoy it. If we want to call ourselves a progressive society, we should be focusing on creating stronger support systems so that no senior has to work just to get by. Let’s give them the dignity of a real retirement.
Related : https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/the-real-motive-behind-return-your-tray-movement.378622/
