Staying engaged with society is important, these older Singa-

poreans said. But some questioned if work is the only way to keep active, as Mr Lee suggested at a dialogue last Friday.

Others argued that government agencies and employers could make it easier for elderly Singaporeans to find consultancy or part-time jobs so they can continue working into their twilight years.

Speaking at a conference on the burgeoning silver industry here, Mr Lee shared how being a globally engaged statesman had given him the necessary mental stimuli to take him into his 85th year.

His comment that able-bodied seniors should continue working as 'retirement means death' sparked impassioned debate online over its feasibility for the average Singaporean.

Most of the eight seniors interviewed by The Straits Times said they hope to carry on with a job they enjoy in their old age.

'Some people may think working beyond retirement age is very stressful, but there are many different forms of work out there,' said Mr Cheok Chin Yam, 49, who runs his own marine equipment company.

'I don't think I will continue to work at my current pace when I'm in my 60s. The most important thing is to keep myself mentally challenged.'

Like MM Lee, Mrs Karen Chee, 46, believes only work can challenge and fulfil her in her golden years. A former assistant director at a medical institute, she is now studying for her masters in business administration.

'Some people can retire and still be very active in a different way, such as by taking up hobbies or doing community work. But personally, only work can give me that kind of motivation,' she said.

But retired school principal Edward Tan, 62, disagreed that work is king.

'Obviously MM enjoys his work, so what he says is true for him, but not necessarily true for everyone else,' said Mr Tan, who has done community work and travelled since he retired in 2001.

'I learnt it's important not to be too attached to things like your job and the influence you once held, and to accept that each passing phase of my life is a new chapter.'

One netizen suggested working after retirement 'is not a matter of choice' but of whether 'there's anyone out there willing to even hire a mature worker'.

Another thought MM Lee's remarks will encourage children of the elderly not to give them financial support on the grounds that they are able to continue working.

But in general, active-ageing advocates and community workers contacted are pleased with MM Lee's strong message in favour of living purposefully into one's old age.

'There are many examples of retirees who have not planned their retirement. They sleep late into the morning and then begin not to groom themselves, eventually losing interest in what is happening outside, followed by dementia,' said Mr Gerard Ee, chairman of the Council for Third Age, which champions active ageing.

Do not let work completely overshadow your life, advised Dr Kanwaljit Soin, who runs a non-profit organisation for older women to age successfully.

'The thing to do is have a second string to the bow. One must always make provisions so, if for some reason you cannot work, you find other things to occupy yourself,' she said.

To allow more seniors to continue in the workforce, employers should base their hiring not on age but on 'robust factors such as skills, productivity and performance', said Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Education & Manpower and chairman of the committee drawing up guidelines on the re-employment law.

He also encouraged employers to discuss with their older employees what jobs are suitable and available for them, as well as adopt flexible work arrangements for this group.

clare@sph.com.sg

klin@sph.com.sg