Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Give the aged less strenuous jobs

MY PAPER TUESDAY AUGUST 03, 2010, PAGE A16, VIEWPOINTS
From http://myepaper.mypaper.sg/ebook/web_php/fvbrowserjs.php?urljs=http://myepaper.mypaper.sg/ecreator/sphopf/mya030810cnd_opf_files/mya030810cnd.js&ver=Gen
Website: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20100803-230154.html
By KWAN JIN YAO, Tue, Aug 03, 2010



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PHOTO: KWAN JIN YAO
MY PAPER TUESDAY AUGUST 03, 2010, PAGE A16, VIEWPOINTS

I REFER to the report, "MM: Work as long as you can" (my paper, July 29).

The subject of retirement and the change in the retirement age from 62 to 65 in 2012 are interesting issues, because of Singapore's struggles with an ageing population.

Given our country's demographics, declining birth rate and evolving workforce, the number of years that the elderly spend working would have a significant impact on the nation's future socioeconomic outlook.



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Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said that older workers need to be productive, and that he does not think there should be a retirement age.

It is true that the continued contributions of old workers - especially white-collar employees - would be beneficial to the country's productivity.

However, it would not be fair to assume that all elderly workers would benefit from staying on in their jobs, in terms of their ability to stay engaged and feel fulfilled.



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White-collar and other workers in advisory positions would be able to contribute to their companies, after handing over the reins to younger coworkers.

With reduced responsibilities, and no work that requires physical strength, many such workers would be more than happy to remain in their jobs.



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Regrettably, the same cannot be said for workers in other positions.

It is unfortunate that some individuals continue to work long hours in physically demanding jobs, sometimes under tremendous pressure.



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It is not uncommon to see old workers clearing plates at food centres, as well as cleaning public areas and offices, to make ends meet.

Because of their probable lack of education, lack of access to privileges since young and the spiraling costs of living, they are subject to a lifetime of work to feed their families and themselves.



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Perhaps the most ideal way to deal with an ageing workforce would be to facilitate the retention of workers through a process that would meet their needs.

Convince employers to engage elderly staff in less strenuous work, and introduce flexible working hours so that they can work in conditions that are optimal for them.



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More importantly, there needs to be more coordinated assistance programmes to provide support to the senior citizens who are genuinely in need.

Having an official retirement age is positive, because it serves as milestone that marks a time for individuals to rest, after decades of economic contribution.



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Without it, elderly workers might push themselves to keep working, instead of enjoying the rest they rightfully deserve.

Ultimately, the choice to retire depends on the individual.

He will have to consider a plethora of concerns, such as his ability to support his family, his capabilities and his health.

But he should not be forced to bow to the pressure to keep working.



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HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn

Retirement: 退休 - tuì xiū
Handing over the reins: 移交权力 - yí jiāo quán lì
Retention: 保留 - bǎo liú
Plethora: 过多 - guò duō



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Interesting Quote:
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Diane Tavegia
Source: http://forums.crosswalk.com/m_505853/mpage_27/tm.htm



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