HELSINKI - Singaporeans, who are living longer, can help to offset the low birth rates if more of them continue working for longer, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, said on Tuesday .Organised by the Finnish Government and the Global Coalition on Aging, the two-day forum, which brought together participants from 45 countries, is part of a myriad of events being held this year leading up to the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030.
But, on the flip side, she said longer lives had also brought"us face to face with the disease burden and frailty that comes with old age." So, Dr Khor said, the government's focus is to"help our seniors maintain their desired quality of life even in old age, and can afford the healthcare that they need, while ensuring financial sustainability in the healthcare system in the face of longevity."
Finland's prime minister Antti Rinne, in his opening address, pointed out that aging was critical issue for the world.Speaking via video link, Ms Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, told the forum that more had to be done to take advantage of those over 60s in the labour force.
They could do this by downgrading to smaller houses, or by taking out a reverse mortgage. A survey in Finland found that more than 75 per cent of people were in favour of their parents doing this rather than hold on to their homes to pass the wealth to their children.
Two different issues. Better to tackle it separately rationally.
Why? No retirement for average Singaporean? Our leaders need tax $$ to sustain their fat salary?
Wow.. Simply 'Genius'.. Majulah Singapura..
Talk is cheap... nobody wants to recruit seniors...only jobs for them are jamban cleaners, block sweepers, food centres floaters and road sweepers. If they are lucky - security guards! GET REAL Mr GOVT! Don't just talk talk la 🙄🙄🙄
What a solution. Seems like the answer to any issue in SG is to work longer. Low birth rate? Work. Want to be healthy in old age? Work. Want to withdraw CPF? Work. Amy dont be a Khornek can?
Wow Amy Khor so brilliant I am impressed 😜
Anyday now Singaporeans could go berserk and make HK riots look like a tea party gone wrong.
Expect us to work till we die just to feed your monthly salary is it?Sit on top can talk cheap la,people down here working our a** off,you wouldn't know how hard it is...typical leaders...
Oh, so gahmen's health plans are just to ensure its people live longer to keep economy running. Matrix much?