For over a decade, Madam Betty Tan maintained a steady routine working as a cleaner at the Tsao Foundation, a social service organisation supporting seniors' well-being. Upon retiring in 2022 to care for her 92-year-old mother, she found herself struggling with unstructured days and a lack of routine. "I had nothing to do. I had no more routine," the 77-year-old recalled.

To regain a sense of purpose, Madam Tan volunteers weekly at the Tsao Foundation's Hua Mei Active Ageing Centre, assisting with senior activities and 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% (one in 27) in 2013 to 4.4% (one in 23) in 2023. Meanwhile, an AIA Live Better study in 2025 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."

The real protective factor, however, is not employment itself but having a sense of purpose. Ms Loh Yan Zhu, head of counselling and coaching at the Tsao Foundation, also highlighted this aspect.

Physical and social activities such as cycling or walking to work and engaging with co-workers offer significant cognitive and social stimulation, aiding in a smoother transition to retirement. Mr Hoon, who retired in late 2024, credits his smooth adjustment to habits formed well before retirement.

These insights underscore the complex emotional and mental health challenges retirement poses and the importance of finding new roles and routines to maintain well-being.

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