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Singaporeans: we work till we die
inSing.com Editor
InSing.com - 17 hrs 22 mins ago
An old woman gathering cardboard by the roadside, and an old woman clearing tables at a food court. (Pics / Internet)
A tourist from America was recently heard asking, “Why are there old people working in Mcdonald's (in Singapore)? I thought only young people work in Mac…”
Singapore is one of the only few countries where you see the elderly working in Mcdonald’s, or just about every other fast food restaurant. You can also spot them at food courts cleaning your table, at public toilets cleaning up after you, and as security guards to lookout for your safety.
A woman recently sent a letter to The Straits Times forum explaining how her 69-year-old mother became a security guard because the old lady could not find any other job, including slicing fish at NTUC supermarkets. Her mother now works on her feet for 12 hours every day. The woman seeks to remind us that these elderly are the citizens who built the nation, and that they deserve a more humane arrangement.
About a year ago, former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew called on Singaporeans to work for as long as they can. He said, “You work as long as you can work and you will be healthier and happier for it. If you ask me to stop working all of a sudden, I think I’ll just shrivel up, face the wall and just that.”
In response to his comments, many were outraged and felt that the former MM was exhorting Singaporeans to work for as long as they can to avoid becoming a burden to the country.
Bluntly put, many felt they were asked to “work until the day they die”.
A recent report from the Ministry of Manpower has also found that 77% of companies here continue to employ those above 62 years old.
inSing.com Editor
InSing.com - 17 hrs 22 mins ago
An old woman gathering cardboard by the roadside, and an old woman clearing tables at a food court. (Pics / Internet)
A tourist from America was recently heard asking, “Why are there old people working in Mcdonald's (in Singapore)? I thought only young people work in Mac…”
Singapore is one of the only few countries where you see the elderly working in Mcdonald’s, or just about every other fast food restaurant. You can also spot them at food courts cleaning your table, at public toilets cleaning up after you, and as security guards to lookout for your safety.
A woman recently sent a letter to The Straits Times forum explaining how her 69-year-old mother became a security guard because the old lady could not find any other job, including slicing fish at NTUC supermarkets. Her mother now works on her feet for 12 hours every day. The woman seeks to remind us that these elderly are the citizens who built the nation, and that they deserve a more humane arrangement.
About a year ago, former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew called on Singaporeans to work for as long as they can. He said, “You work as long as you can work and you will be healthier and happier for it. If you ask me to stop working all of a sudden, I think I’ll just shrivel up, face the wall and just that.”
In response to his comments, many were outraged and felt that the former MM was exhorting Singaporeans to work for as long as they can to avoid becoming a burden to the country.
Bluntly put, many felt they were asked to “work until the day they die”.
A recent report from the Ministry of Manpower has also found that 77% of companies here continue to employ those above 62 years old.
