IT is indeed alarming to visualise that one in five Singaporeans will be at least 65 years old by 2030. The best way of looking after senior citizens is to let them continue to have a positive life and contribute to the nation, their family and society. The government and society should set up a foundation to re-examine the role of the senior citizens and their relations with the young workforce in a knowledge economy.
The foundation should:
1) Study the employability of senior citizens in various fields such as academia, business, politics, research, cultural work and activities.
2) Recommend laws to prevent unfair treatment or discrimination against the senior citizens.
3) Provide financial assistance or make borrowing by senior citizens a solution to financial problems.
4) Research ways to cut medical costs and on the treatment of chronic illnesses.
– Tan Kok Leong
Principal,
TKL Consulting
Monday, February 20, 2006