Almost 2 in 3 Singaporeans are already planning their 'semi-retirement': study

Singapore Business Review

And they're eyeing a retirement at age 57.

Axcording to HSBC’s Future of Retirement study: Life after work? study, semi-retirement is a popular aspiration among people who are working in Singapore where close to two-thirds (61%) of those still in their active working years plan to or are already in semi-retirement. 

Semi-retirement, defined by this research as a reduction in working hours but a continuation of some paid employment as one approaches or reaches retirement age, is largely seen as a way of funding early retirement rather than extending working life beyond retirement age.

The research shows that, on average, people in Singapore expecting to semi-retire typically plan to do so three years (at age 57) before fully retiring from all paid employment (at age 60). 

Motivations for wanting to move into semi-retirement are largely positive. Over half (57%) want to keep active and their brains alert, 43% because they enjoy working and 41% to ease the transition into full retirement.

For others, semi-retirement may be borne out of necessity than choice. Financial issues are denying many the prospect of full retirement, compelling them to remain in the workforce.

Almost a third (30%) expect to have to semi-retire because they cannot afford to retire full time and a quarter (23%) will need to do so to bridge a shortfall in retirement income.