S'pore exploring legislation changes to help older workers stay employed

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/276748/1/.html

I think that this change by the government is a very good one. Singapore is an ageing society, thus, there will be a higher concentration of elderly in the society year after year. With a higher number of elderly depending on a smaller number of working people, there will be a huge problem in society. The burden of the working people will be increased. Thus, it is important that the old people are able to work and support themselves. Only then there will be a balanced income in the society. Not only are the elderly able to help themselves, the burden of their children is greatly reduced. However, everyone has to be understanding to make this change.

Many employers have a misconception that all elderly workers are either slow or outdated in their techniques and information. As a result, there will be less efficient compared to their younger counterparts. This is not only false, it is the exact opposite. Elderly workers have more experience accumulated over their working life. Thus, they will be more able to confront problems in the industry. Older workers are also proven to be more understanding to their fellow workers.

Furthermore, why should people be stopped from working only because they have reached a certain age limit. If the elderly have a sharp mind, enough knowledge and a good attitude towards work, they should be allowed to work even though they are old. Some elderly are refused from some jobs even though they have the necessary qualifications just because of their age. This is discrimination against the elderly. Even if they are not qualified yet, they are able to learn. Older people are also more enthusiastic in learning new skills and more determined.

We sometimes forget how important the elderly workforce is towards the running of the society. Go to a food court and notice that a lot of those working as stall helpers and cleaners are often elderly. From their looks, they are about 50 and above. This shows, that steps are being taken to ensure that the elderly are continously being employed. However, more improvement can be done as more jobs can be opened up, with jobs in the managerial position towards the elderly.

If this change is implemented, the government will get to benefit too. There will be less problems regarding the elderly. Less elderly will resort to begging on the streets just to earn a living. Social servcies will also have to help to ensure that they are hired. They also benefit as the needy will be less and the social service can then focus on the few who really are unable to earn their own living due to various reasons such as chronical illnesses. With the poverty level reduced, the whoe society will benefit. As more people work, the annual GDP of the country will also increase slowly but surely.

I still think that some improvements can be made towards this social trend. Maybe, the government can make a law that forces major companies have a certain percentage of employees above the age of 55. The minimum pay could be increased as some elderly often think that just relying on social services is a better option as working does not give a significant increase in income. This will encourage more elderly to embrace themselves into the work force again. Social Services can also help by recommending their elderly to some jobs and support them financially as well during their first month or two of work as the money earned may not be enough yet to support themselves. The government can also create a special working hour schedule for elderly as many elderly are afraid of getting tired of working. With shorter hours, they can work without tiring themselves.

This is indeed a good change. Singapore is following the example of Japan which has the highest ageing population in the world. There are however can be more improvements made to this change to make it more beneficial to the people that matter most, the elderly.