Limitations:

• Financial constraints: Many individuals may not have adequate savings to support themselves during retirement

• Health issues: Aging often comes with increased healthcare needs, which can be expensive and challenging to manage without sufficient support.

• Social isolation: Elderly individuals may face loneliness and isolation due to reduced mobility, loss of friends and family, or lack of community support.

• Access to resources: Not all individuals have equal access to healthcare, transportation, or supportive community services, depending on their geographic location and socioeconomic status.

2) Ageism is largely driven by prejudices that employers and colleagues have against older workers being stubborn and less adaptable, as well as lacking physical capabilities and technological competence. They are disadvantaged by company policies or practices due to their age and other characteristics; are subjected to discriminatory employment practices in relation to performance appraisal and promotion; and experience workplace harassment.

One woman who sought help at Aware’s Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory was given a poor performance appraisal at work just before she reached the eligible age for re-employment. Although she had performed well during her time at the company prior to this, her service was terminated shortly after the appraisal without feedback or discussion regarding her performance.

At a focus group discussion organised by the Singapore Alliance for Women in Ageing in June this year, one participant spoke about younger colleagues telling her she should retire as she is already above 60, even though she is still able and willing to work.

Other participants said they were made to feel guilty for standing in the way of younger colleagues who could not move up to more senior job positions.

3)The elderly are generally weaker and more vulnerable to getting ill. Citizens aged 65 and above make up almost one-fifth of Singapore's population, up 11.7% from a decade ago, according to the Singapore government's 2023 population report. Dementia affects 5.2% of Singaporeans and is the fifth leading cause of disability in Singapore. With increased life expectancy and a rapidly aging population, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase.