Madam Betty Tan, who worked as a cleaner for 13 years at the Tsao Foundation, experienced a significant shift after retiring in 2022 to care for her elderly mother. Despite being busy with caregiving and household chores, she found herself with long stretches of unfilled time and no routine, recalling, "I had nothing to do. I had no more routine."

Tan now volunteers weekly at the Tsao Foundation's Hua Mei Active Ageing Centre, helping seniors stay engaged. Her experience reflects broader trends in Singapore, where retirement often disrupts daily structure and identity tied to work.

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 An AIA Live Better study found that half of Singaporean residents planned to continue working after retirement, highlighting a desire to maintain purpose and engagement.

Experts note that work provides more than income; it offers structure, social interaction, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of identity. Dr Tan from Hua Mei Clinic explained, "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, emphasized that "the real protective factor is not employment itself but having purpose." Activities like cycling or walking to the office and talking to co-workers contribute to physical, cognitive, and social stimulation, which are crucial for mental well-being.

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

These insights suggest that addressing mental health in retirement requires fostering purpose and engagement beyond traditional employment.

Sources

Channel News Asia: Is retirement just Sundays on repeat? Here's what happens when work no longer defines you