For over a decade, Madam Betty Tan maintained a steady routine working as a cleaner at the Tsao Foundation, a social service organisation aiding seniors in aging well. Upon retiring in 2022 to care for her 92-year-old mother, she anticipated a less hectic life but found herself struggling with long stretches of unstructured time. "I had no more routine," the 77-year-old recalled.

To regain a sense of purpose, Madam Tan began volunteering weekly at the Tsao Foundation's Hua Mei Active Ageing Centre, assisting with attendance and senior outings.

A Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study by the Institute of Mental Health reported that depression among seniors in Singapore increased from 3.7% in 2013 to 4.4% in 2023. Meanwhile, a 2025 AIA Live Better study found that half of Singaporean residents planned to continue working after retirement.

Experts emphasize that work provides structure, social interaction, intellectual stimulation, and identity. Dr Tan from Hua Mei Clinic noted, "For people whose sense of identity is very much tied to being successful, performing well, meeting targets or bringing money home, that's their main sense of achievement and purpose in life."

Ms Loh Yan Zhu, head of counselling and coaching at the Tsao Foundation, highlighted that "the real protective factor is not employment itself but having purpose."

Physical and social activities such as cycling or walking to work and engaging with co-workers offer significant cognitive and social stimulation, which retirees often miss.

Mr Hoon, another retiree, credits his smooth transition to habits formed before retiring in late 2024, underscoring the importance of preparation for life after work.

These findings underscore that retirement, while promising freedom, demands adjustment and the cultivation of new routines and purposes to support mental well-being.

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