Positive mindset towards ageing needed to tap seniors’ experience for workforce: Tan See Leng
Published on
29 Sep 2024
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE – There are opportunities for Singapore to tap the experience and wisdom of its seniors as the population continues to age.
But this must be done with long-term planning and a “positive mindset towards ageing”, together with strong support from the Government, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
He was speaking to more than 250 People’s Action Party (PAP) activists and partners on Sept 28 at a lunch hosted by the PAP Seniors Group (PAPSG) in commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront hotel.
Dr Tan, who also serves as Second Minister for Trade and Industry, issued a challenge to the group to encourage senior citizens to re-enter the workforce.
There are currently around 120,000 residents here between the ages of 65 and 69 who are not in the workforce.
Said Dr Tan: “Work will give seniors a sense of purpose and help them stay connected to society. They can work at a tempo that is suitable for them.”
Helping to shape expectations around flexible work arrangements will be the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, which will come into effect in December.
This will provide options for seniors who want to continue working, but at a lower intensity.
Singapore will raise the retirement and re-employment ages to 65 and 70, respectively, by 2030.
The Workplace Fairness Legislation, which Dr Tan said he aims to table in Parliament by the end of 2024, will also give seniors the assurance of fair treatment in their jobs.
Dr Tan said: “With the proposed legislation, we will even allow employers to favour – so it’s positive discrimination – those aged 55 and above over other age groups.”
Beyond the workplace, the Government will continue to support the Age Well SG national programme launched in November 2023.
Dr Tan said at least $3.5 billion will be dedicated to the programme over the next decade.
The programme, jointly led by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Transport, aims to transform transport, housing, active ageing and care services across the nation.
It will include programmes from physical exercises to volunteering opportunities. More assisted living options, such as community care apartments and better home care arrangements, will also be in place so that people can age at home and in the community.
This comes as Singapore projects one in four citizens to be 65 years or older by 2030.
Dr Tan noted that an ageing demographic can create significant issues within society if not handled well.
He pointed out that the social security system in the United States is projected to run out of funds by 2035. This means that unless the US Congress enacts a legislative solution, pay benefits through the system will be reduced by more than 20 per cent, he added.
Meanwhile in China, many provinces have large fiscal deficits, and having people work for longer would ease pressure on pension budgets.
On Sept 13, China’s top legislative body raised its retirement age for the first time since 1978.
The move has been met with concerns.
“Older workers do not want their pension payouts to be delayed, while younger workers worry that with more seniors staying on at their jobs, there will be fewer openings for the next generation,” Dr Tan said.
He added: “Singapore is not immune from this similar challenge… We are constantly on our toes because we have to review, we have to refine our policies so that our seniors, including myself and the people that will come after us, can continue to thrive and be cared for in our lovely home.”
One such example is the Central Provident Fund system that has acted as a cornerstone of Singapore’s social security framework, he said.
“Our social security framework is unique because we avoid the pitfalls of pooled savings while allowing members who are less well-off to also benefit by redistributive and progressive schemes,” he said.
This includes the $8.2 billion Majulah Package announced in the 2024 Budget that will benefit around 1.6 million Singaporeans through means-tested bonuses and a MediSave Bonus for all seniors born in 1973 or earlier.
He added that Singapore’s reserves have made it possible for seniors to have access to affordable healthcare.
Dr Tan pointed out that steps such as raising the goods and services tax have helped the Government to meet the sharp increase in healthcare needs of the ageing population.
He said without the reserves, the Government would likely have to double the GST to maintain a similar level of spending.
On Sept 28, Dr Tan also announced a new PAPSG playbook, which will become a comprehensive guide for all 93 PAP branches on how to launch initiatives and find resources to engage with seniors.
Said the Manpower Minister: “Whether it is healthcare, employment or legacy matters, every PAP branch will have access to the relevant panel of experts and resources. We hope that by partnering experts, we can guide seniors, and help them in making informed and proactive choices.”
He added that the PAP aims to organise around 200 events and activities for seniors over the next 12 to 18 months.
Some sessions will include talks on CPF, MediShield Life or how to apply for a lasting power of attorney.
Others will include workshops on how to build digital competencies, and even mentoring sessions for seniors who want to re-enter the workforce.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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