I WAS delighted to read Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's comments in the media that he wants to see stronger ties within families ("PM Lee asks families to bond - with a little help from Government"; last Wednesday).
People today live in a fast-paced world. While there is a need to embrace change and progression, it is also important not to forget the importance of family life and family bonding. Family is where the roots of the people are, from which they grow. By spending more quality time together as a family, stronger family bonds can be built.
I am blessed to have my elderly parents living with me. My father is 80 and my mother is 75. With three generations living under one roof, we are able to share our love, care and resources.
There is a need to support elderly parents as they may not have accumulated sufficient retirement savings during their working life. They cannot be neglected and placed in homes for the aged.
My parents have been enjoying the recently introduced Pioneer Generation Package health subsidies. The Government can do more for the elderly who are in financial distress.
In my case, I have a reasonable income. However, there are cases of elderly people without sufficient retirement funds, who have children who are low-income earners and are unable to support them. More assistance must be provided for them.
The Government should enhance the social safety net for elderly Singaporeans. Attention should be paid to low-income earners and those who are unable to work or are medically unfit.
Perhaps the Government can look into giving more grants for old folk who live together with their children.
I hope this year's Budget will address their needs.
V. Balu
People today live in a fast-paced world. While there is a need to embrace change and progression, it is also important not to forget the importance of family life and family bonding. Family is where the roots of the people are, from which they grow. By spending more quality time together as a family, stronger family bonds can be built.
I am blessed to have my elderly parents living with me. My father is 80 and my mother is 75. With three generations living under one roof, we are able to share our love, care and resources.
There is a need to support elderly parents as they may not have accumulated sufficient retirement savings during their working life. They cannot be neglected and placed in homes for the aged.
My parents have been enjoying the recently introduced Pioneer Generation Package health subsidies. The Government can do more for the elderly who are in financial distress.
In my case, I have a reasonable income. However, there are cases of elderly people without sufficient retirement funds, who have children who are low-income earners and are unable to support them. More assistance must be provided for them.
The Government should enhance the social safety net for elderly Singaporeans. Attention should be paid to low-income earners and those who are unable to work or are medically unfit.
Perhaps the Government can look into giving more grants for old folk who live together with their children.
I hope this year's Budget will address their needs.
V. Balu
