After retirement at 55 years, what options remain for those retirees who still have the responsibility to support their families.

Most of them either end up driving, operate business at small scale and some lucky ones travel frequently. There are many who work as security personnel, watchmen, sell along roadsides and at markets.

Life becomes more challenging. Age brings illness and the body begins to give in, but the daily demands keep mounting. What are we doing for such retirees apart from pension scheme, vouchers and other little support?

Those old working as security personnel are even at more risk personally and professionally. They work to survive on a meagre income, without insurance cover and medical protection. Many retirees are facing hardship and challenges, many farmers are now idle because of reservation of their lands in the past.

Their experience, knowledge, skills and talents should be better utilised with full care and support and as yet many retirees are being treated as liabilities not only by their loved ones, but at workplaces and in our society.

Remarks, threats, harsh words, added pressure at work and ill-treatment are being given to them and they take it all to support their families and that while age and illness are catching up.

Why can’t our Government come up with such schemes in our next budget to support the elderly at workplaces, provide incentives for their retention with medical and added benefits so that they remain at the workplace, enjoy what they have been doing for years and impart their skills to younger colleagues?

I believe the Government should consider drawing up “elderly friendly” work-related schemes so that elders enjoy their age and not feel disregarded and unwanted.

I believe this is missing.