Seniors are flipping the script on retirement
Retirement for them has become a launch pad for their second act.
As Singapore's population ages, many seniors are redefining retirement and embracing new roles. 65 is no longer the end of the line, but rather a starting point for a second act. Healthier, better educated, and more tech-savvy than previous generations, seniors are finding purpose and fulfillment in their later years.
For Said Mohamed, a 71-year-old at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, retirement has become a chance to nurture his "leafy children" - the 50m-tall buah sentul tree planted as a seedling 40 years ago. The relationship with his "child" inspired Said to find happiness in maintaining the reserve's beauty.
IT professional Santhanam Srinivasan took a different route, using a Covid-19 work break to volunteer through RSVP Singapore. Now 64, he teaches digital skills to seniors, serves on the organization's project steering committee, and cherishes the social connections built through his work.
Across Singapore, older adults are contributing their decades of expertise to help others. Edna Claudine Leong, executive director of RSVP, explains that this trend benefits both seniors and society as a whole. By staying engaged, seniors remain active contributors, strengthen social bonds, and help build a more cohesive community.
For those looking to get involved, here are five tips to get started:
1. Find a cause that resonates with your passions and skills.
2. Volunteer in a way that fits your schedule and energy levels.
3. Connect with like-minded seniors through organizations like RSVP.
4. Embrace lifelong learning and stay open to new experiences.
5. Remember that aging is a journey, and there's no "finish line".
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
