It takes a village

SIXTY eight-year-old Sarah Ambika has been labelled an "elitist" for saying she cannot "relate to the uncles and aunties" who gather at her neighbourhood community centre. The word "snooty" also pops up in people's minds when she admits to not being able to "share their interests".

As misunderstood as she is, Ms Ambika is just one among a growing number of elderly PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) whose expectations on life after retirement and elderly living have changed.

Ms Ambika worries about the years ahead of her. She is single, has no family support, works as a locum doctor and unabashedly admits she does not have enough to live luxuriously like her well-heeled peers, although the occasional cruise can be afforded.