In this aspect, I would like to compare India wtih Singapore. Singapore citizens have thrived on the services industry. Most of the citizens earned (and still do earn) their money by providing services or by being owners of small shops in big malls. or simply an owner of a small stall in an "hawker centre". Singapore's vigilant health and welfare ministry ensures longevity and Singapore has an alarming number of senior citizens. Moreover, the savings of the Senior Citizens, are mostly spent on the higher education of their children. After such expensive endeavours they hardly have enough to carry on with their lives without resorting to menial jobs. Though there are no official statistics, atleast three out of the five toilet cleaners in Singapore are senior citizens (from what I have seen). Apparently, the Singapore's young think they have a choice between taking care of their parents or taking care of their children- hence neglecting the parents for the children. Finally, even if the old were relatively well off at the time of "retirement" the low interest rates in Singapore do not provide enough return on the savings. Ultimately, the old are forced to work at low wages in jobs which many would consider "demeaning" and "disrespectful" for their age.
The comparision is eerie. India seems to be bursting with malls remniscent of Singapore. But are we also going to bite the hands that fed us? What do you think?
Update: Someone else is also thinking along the same lines.
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Comments
4 years 13 weeks ago, Ashwin wrote:
wow!! this is what thoughtful posts are :)
But are the old in Singapore happy? some of the taxi drivers I have talked too, seem to be disgruntled with the system, i.e. the old have to fend for themselves. Old age homes are concept that I hoped would never enter India. I stayed with an old couple during my blore sojourn, I was a PG at their house. A perfect arrangement I get a place to stay, they get the emotional bonding they need :).
IDEA: y not convert these old age homes into PG hostels? the condition being residents should live as a family :)
4 years 13 weeks ago, divya wrote:
ha ha ashwin! the idea sounds good.. but then you need to be able to speak mandrin, cantonese or whichever dialect they know, to "fit in" and give them emotional bonding!
4 years 13 weeks ago, sat wrote:
That seems to be one of the most unconnected reasons for BJP failing. Granted, the falling interest rates would disgruntle the senior citizens. but that started happening in 91, when congress was in power.
But I dont think thats the reason.
Lets say that senior citiezens form 30% of the population. And if the voting percentage is 50% and since lesser number of old people would ahve gone to vote, and even a lesser percentage would be the difference in voting for BJP and congress, is the voting power of the resultant 5-10% the cause of BJP's downfall in elections.
Huh. I dont think so.
BTW hows ur portfolio coming alon???
4 years 13 weeks ago, kr!sh wrote:
....and the fact that 98 % of BJP are senior citizens...
sorry for being such a troll ..furgivvvv !
4 years 13 weeks ago, divya wrote:
Oyi Krish!hehehe quite true.. and btw.. leave ur website add atleast! difficult to remember! :P.. gotta add it to my sidebar also!
4 years 12 weeks ago, swami wrote:
enna satish...madras experience lendhu theriyalaya...under construction na inner meaning enna nu:P