According to reports by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global population is ageing rapidly. It is expected that by 2050, the over-60year-olds will double.

That means almost quarter of the population will be over 60 years old.

From that, about 15 per cent will be suffering from a form of mental disorder. This data does not include the physical challenges they face. Nor does it include the anxiety disorders or substance abuse that is often overlooked or missed completely.

Generally, ‘older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty or other health problems, for which they require some form of long-term care. In addition, older people are more likely to experience events such as bereavement or a drop in socio-economic status with retirement. All of these stressors can result in isolation, loneliness or psychological distress in older people, for which they may require longterm care.’ (WHO; Mental Health of Older Adults, December 12, 2017) The argument that when people retire they feel depressed and useless is for those who don’t have the support of family, nor is there a plan in place to utilise their time, e.g., a hobby or volunteer work, or even a small business to focus themselves. There is always an adjustment to be made with retirement. However, as persons get older, there is a natural increase of risks to physical health that has to be assessed. Even if they do not retire at 60, they are at risk of health deterioration more so than many younger people.

According to Vital Statistics issued by the Central Statistics Office, as of June 30, 2023, Trinidad and Tobago had 962,199 persons between 15-64 years old, 122,412 who are 65-plus years old. However, the death rate is exponentially higher from the age of 55.

No doctor or government can guarantee life to anyone. The mere fact that someone makes it to 60 should be applauded in light of all the diseases, stress and increased crime.

To be able to enjoy one’s retirement entails being in relatively good health.

Raising the age of retirement is robbing many people of this.

Furthermore, it is creating a health crisis among those older than 60 by keeping them in the workforce and prolonging dependency on a salary that is broken down by the cost of living that is increasing, and the fact that many organisations will not employ them, not even the Government that does not hire over-50-year-olds.

Added to this, death among persons older than 60 is higher than other age groups. The situation is therefore compounded by numerous factors, proving that raising the age of retirement is not in the interest of older persons. It is further detrimental when considering that from the age of 54, signs of physical and mental challenges start rearing their heads. This is not unique to T&T. The Age Specific Death Rate statistics for 2012-2018 demonstrate a consistent jump in the number of deaths from age 55.

This means that they are paying taxes and will never see their pension. This is diabolical. The odds are against them and it is not fair to taxpayers at all. Nor is it fair to healthcare workers who will have an increase of elderly persons to attend to because they are working when they should be resting, relaxing or working at their own retirement.

One recommendation can be that the age of retirement remain at 60, but that corporate citizens and Government be able to offer optional reduced employment beyond 60. In other nations, retirees have an option to come back out to work. They have the workload and days and hours reduced, and still have the retirement paid to them at 60 years old.

Sharon Ali-Aziz