THE Central Provident Fund 2016 annual report can make for frightening reading in highlighting Singapore's rapidly ageing population.

But before we terrify ourselves with the silver tsunami image, there are also data pointing to the rising wealth of CPF members who made lower withdrawals from age 55, and more top-ups to retirement accounts.

CPF members who have reached 55 can choose to withdraw their CPF savings after setting aside in their retirement account the full retirement sum, which was S$161,000 in 2016.