The Plight of the Elderly in Singapore: A Personal Perspective
Master Liang from Singapore shares his personal observations and opinions regarding the elderly population in Singapore, emphasizing that his views may not represent all Singaporeans. He expresses concern for the well-being of some elderly individuals who continue to work past retirement age.
Observations in Singapore
Master Liang describes an experience at a coffee shop where he observed an elderly cleaning lady looking tired and unhappy. This observation prompted him to question why many elderly individuals in Singapore are still working, often in physically demanding jobs like cleaning or security. He contrasts this with the situation in Malaysia, where he believes many people retire around the age of 50 and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
Financial Concerns and Healthcare
He questions whether the elderly in Singapore are working out of necessity due to insufficient pensions. He estimates that some may only receive around $700-$800 per month, which may not be enough to cover basic expenses like utilities and food. He highlights the high cost of medical care in Singapore, noting that many elderly individuals require multiple medications for chronic conditions, further straining their finances. He states, "in Singapore, you can die, but you can't get sick."
Dependence on Children and Retirement Planning
Master Liang points out the uncertainty of relying on children for financial support in retirement. He shares a news story about an elderly couple who sold their home and moved to Australia to live with their children, only to be asked to leave after disagreements. This example illustrates the potential risks of depending solely on one's children and emphasizes the importance of personal financial security in retirement. He firmly believes that retirement is something you have to rely on yourself.
The Rising Cost of Living and the Ideal Scenario
He expresses concern about the rising cost of living in Singapore, particularly the increasing prices of food, transportation, and medicine. This makes it difficult for the elderly to save money and potentially necessitates their continued employment. He believes the ideal situation would be for the elderly in Singapore to be able to retire comfortably by the age of 65.
Government Initiatives and Personal Aspirations
While acknowledging government initiatives to promote lifelong learning and skills upgrading, Master Liang expresses a personal desire to retire early, ideally at the age of 50. He envisions a retirement filled with leisure and enjoyment, free from the need to work.
Final Thoughts
Master Liang concludes by acknowledging that his opinions may be subjective and potentially controversial. He believes that while many elderly people in Singapore are happy, there is a segment of the population who are struggling financially and working out of necessity rather than choice. He poses the question of whether these individuals would prefer to retire and enjoy life if given the opportunity. He then ends his sharing.
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