Cherie Lok, a 85-year-old waiter in Singapore, has refused to retire despite reaching the country’s official retirement age, according to a report by The Straits Times. The article highlights her continued work at a local restaurant, defying government policies that encourage retirement at 65. Lok, who has been working in the hospitality industry for over five decades, expressed her desire to remain active and contribute to her community. She stated that she feels physically and mentally capable of continuing her job, and that she enjoys the social interaction with customers.
Lok’s case has sparked discussions about aging and employment in Singapore. While the government has introduced policies to support older workers, such as flexible work arrangements, many older citizens still face challenges in staying employed. A local labor organization noted that while some older workers are able to extend their careers, others are forced to retire due to health or employer policies.
The Straits Times reported that Lok’s employer has not imposed any restrictions on her continued employment, allowing her to work as long as she wishes. This has made her a local figure of inspiration for others in her age group. However, experts caution that while individual cases like hers are encouraging, systemic changes are needed to better support older workers in the workforce. (stomp.sg)
