When saving for retirement, one must not only save for daily expenses, they must also take into account medical costs and to ensure that there are enough insurance coverage as well as cash to cover costs that are not covered by medical and hospital insurance policies. I'm now experiencing first hand of my parents mistakes. They didn't plan well. They didn't include medical costs. It is inevitable that when we get to our old age, we might possibly face some medical problem. It's not that I'm a pessimist. When I look around me, I hardly see a senior citizen who is very fit and has no medical issues. Old age is something that we must all face. Will the future senior citizens have less medical problems?
And as you know, the cost of medical treatment is getting more and more expensive each year. Even insurance policies are not able to cover everything. You'll need to pay even more premiums if you want more coverage. So seriously, when is really a good time to retire? What if there isn't enough? For those people who feel that they can rely comfortably on their kids, it's not all that simple. It can be very draining for the kids as they not only have to save for their own future but to also cover the costs of their parents medical costs. We are the sandwich generation. The burden is now on us. And now suddenly I feel the sudden urgency to top up my CPF while I can. And if possible, I'd like to continue to earn an income to keep myself going.
Doing nothing and sitting around can lead to dementia. Dementia is a serious disease that can rob you of your dignity, your freedom and independence. Even if you have enough money, I'd say just keep working. If not, then pick up an exercise regime, join a club to have friends and then pass the time by being part of something and contributing to something worthwhile. That's my word of wisdom for now.
