It is not just the ST, across many publications I sense a growing amount of effort and space given to issues of ageing. Usually the slant is dark and pessimistic. There are exceptions but they are the result of the act of the will. In other words far to many people grow old and become pessimistic versus the optimism and promise of Peter Laslett's Third Age.
When older folks have their first health scare, and most of such scares are just that then they naturally begin to think of a day probably not too far away when the scare is more than an illusion. This changes the frame of mind for many and so their behavior and even personality of some as well. Not toward an energetic and risk loving life but a careful and circumspect one. Instead of jumping up and down taking risks, they are more worried about falling and ending up in a wheelchair.
Like it Korea, Japan and elsewhere the job scene is still premised on past assumptions which are no longer valid but resistant to change. You are retired with no money. What Third Age?
Businesses typically have no time to think long term and governments could not persuade them to reform. We will just have to let the pressure build up and blow up and then we will say, "better late than never" to solve this problem. But in Korea the problems of ageing could be coming in so fast and furious to defy any policy solutions. In Singapore ST is obviously trying to cajole us with unending articles to the point that readers will talk about such issues in the coffee shops. I think this is helpful but I do not know if it is good enough.
Strange, these people are living as if there is no tomorrow. and when they get older, they want to take leave of the world - to where??
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