Reject increasing retirement age

I refer to the report, “Govt to study retirement at 65 proposal” (The Star, 25 May). Although many individuals at age 60 remain healthy and productive, I doubt whether this is a good idea.

There are several productive ways in which healthy retirees can now voluntarily give back to society what they have received. Their experience, expertise and energy are badly needed in many non-profit NGOs caring for the environment and the less fortunate and underprivileged, especially in welfare homes for poor children and orphans. I teach in two such homes and am shocked that many teenage children here still struggle with the basic 3Rs (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic). Administrators, house mothers, counsellors, cooks and teachers are badly needed, and retirees can offer their services voluntarily here.