PUBLISHED ONApril 17, 2014 3:27 AM
SINGAPORE -Lessons from bartender, 92
I fully agree with Dr George Wong Seow Choon's view that it is time for Singapore to do away with the retirement age ("Don't set retirement age"; last Wednesday).
Some years ago, a few friends and I went to a pub in New York City. We were seated at the bar counter and the bartender who served us drinks was agile, friendly and cheerful. We struck up a conversation with him and he told us he was 92 years old.
He said working not only provided him with financial independence, but also allowed him to exercise, especially his arms when mixing cocktail drinks. More importantly, he said he remained socially connected through work - getting to meet new people and chatting with customers kept him mentally alert and healthy. Are we ready to embrace a work culture without the limitation of retirement age? Let those who enjoy working go for it. Tay Siew Hua (Madam)
This article was published on April 15 in The Straits Times.
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