Positive mindset on ageing key in getting seniors to rejoin workforce: Minister

There are opportunities for Singapore to tap the experience and wisdom of its seniors as the population continues to age.

- Andrew Wong

But this must be done with long-term planning and a "positive mindset towards ageing", together with strong support from the Government, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.

He was speaking to more than 250 People's Action Party (PAP) activists and partners on Sept 28 at a lunch hosted by the PAP Seniors Group (PAPSG) in commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront hotel.

Dr Tan, who also serves as Second Minister for Trade and Industry, issued a challenge to the group to encourage senior citizens to re-enter the workforce.

There are currently around 120,000 residents here between the ages of 65 and 69 who are not in the workforce.

Said Dr Tan: "Work will give seniors a sense of purpose and help them stay connected to society. They can work at a tempo that is suitable for them."

Helping to shape expectations around flexible work arrangements will be the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, which will come into effect in December.

This will provide options for seniors who want to continue working, but at a lower intensity.

Singapore will raise the retirement and re-employment ages to 65 and 70, respectively, by 2030.

The Workplace Fairness Legislation, which Dr Tan said he aims to table in Parliament by the end of 2024, will also give seniors the assurance of fair treatment in their jobs.

Dr Tan said: "With the proposed legislation, we will even allow employers to favour - so it's positive discrimination - those aged 55 and above over other age groups."