Higher retirement age in Phl pushed

MANILA, Philippines - A prominent University of the Philippines (UP) academic has pushed for raising the age of retirement in the country.

UP political science professor Clarita Carlos cited global trends on raising retirement age and studies showing productivity of senior citizens, especially in the academic sector, in making the proposal over the weekend.

“Many countries are legislating lower of retirement age because of the aging population, and because older people have proven that they are capable of working and actually better than their younger counterparts. I think we should also do that here, especially for teachers,” Carlos said during the launch of her landmark book “Population Ageing in the Philippines: Issues and Challenges” at The Podium in Mandaluyong City.

Carlos, a known political expert, proposed that the general retirement age in the country of 60 years old be raised to at least 65.

She stressed that aging population is a global concern, which involves welfare of senior citizens. She believes it requires the government, private sector and all stakeholders to work together in making sure that the needs and aspirations of older people are met in light of the various challenges and implications of an aging population.

Among the repercussions of the growing aging population, she stressed, are overburdened healthcare systems, consequences in the pension system that countries have to address to prevent deficits, and challenges in the labor structure.

She explained that while government efforts have made a difference in the lives of older people, more could still be done.

“Older people get much of their strength from their children and members of their family. We should endeavor to make our developments centered on the family and all its members including our parents, the older people. This is the first big step to making sure that older people have happy, decent lives in their twilight years,” she pointed out. 

Carlos’ book, the first that tackles the issues and challenges of senior citizens in the country, was published in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.

She cited statistics showing that the elderly population in the Philippines is increasing faster than the growth of the population.

In 2000, there were 4.6 million senior citizens or about six percent of the population. In 2010, the number grew to six million or 6.9 percent of the population. By 2022, the elderly is expected to be around 12 million, which is a significant factor in the election of the leaders at that period. 

Carlos further stressed that the older age group ballooned at a faster rate of 3.4 percent per year compared with younger (1.5 percent) and working (2.8 percent) age groups from 1970 to 2010. 

“The aging of our population is unprecedented. A combination of decreasing fertility rates and the increasing life expectancy have produced an aging population. People are living longer because of advances in medicine, better nutrition, better health care, better education and overall well-being of society,” she explained. 

SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim, who graced the event, explained that SM has always believed in the inclusivity of services that should cater not just to the young, but the old as well.

“There has been a lot of focus on understanding millennials, but very little about senior citizens. It is about time that we give attention to our elders… With the aging population, it has become necessary that we give them respect and dignity to pursue a life of fulfillment in their sunset years,” he said.