More than half of pensioners surveyed in a questionnaire had taken early retirement, according to a report by the Bahrain Khibra Society for Retirees.
But life in the slow lane can have its challenges such as price of living increases, long-standing debt repayments and health issues.
A total of 807 retirees answered a survey, which aimed to measure and quantify the state of the previously-employed citizens, and the challenges they experience.
Of the respondents, 42pc retired early and 23pc voluntarily, meaning that a total of 65pc had stopped working before reaching retirement age, while only 32 had a standard retirement.
Monthly pensions for 35pc of respondents ranged between BD500 and BD1,000, while 28pc made under BD500, 29pc were paid between BD1,000 and BD2,000, and 8pc more than BD2,000.
Most (80pc) had an additional source of income. Despite these numbers, 60pc believe their pension does not meet their living needs, while 19pc stated it is enough, and 21pc stated that it is sometimes sufficient, but not always.
Only one-fifth of respondents were female (104) and four-fifths were male (703). Fifty-five per cent were employed in the private sector, 42pc in the public sector, and 3pc in the military sector.
“Numbers reveal the fragility of life after retirement,” read the report. “The results present a clear and concerning picture of post-retirement life – particularly from the economic, health, and social perspectives.
“Retirement seems like it is no longer the phase of stability that it was once assumed to be. For a large portion of people, it has become a period marked by increasing living pressures.
“The results indicate that more than 76pc of participants are at their prime – between 50 and 69 years old – an age group that remains capable of productivity and community participation.
“This raises questions about work environments and retirement referral policies.”
Half of respondents report increases in the cost of living as a challenge post-retirement, while the rest listed family obligations, healthcare and debts as issues.
Forty-four per cent viewed retirement as a positive experience, 40pc as neutral, but 16pc felt that it had negative effects on their lives.
The majority (59pc) had over four dependents that they supported with the pension, 22pc supported three, and 19pc one, two, or no dependents.
“The goal of the survey is to learn opinions of retirees when it comes to services available to them, and to find out what their current circumstances are,” Khibra Society president Hussain Madan told the GDN.
“Knowing their points of view will help the Society come up with schemes to aid retirees.
“The results will also be shared with relevant institutions like the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO).”
He explained why so many retire prematurely, attributing the phenomenon to pervasive policy changes in Bahrain’s institutions and companies in the early 2010s.
“Early retirement has become common in Bahrain in recent decades,” Mr Madan said.
“It usually occurs with the encouragement of the state, companies or institutions, and they grant them end-of-service benefits, or due to their health issues for people who can no longer work,” he said.
“One of the reasons it is urged is the need to employ young people, especially as youth salaries are lower than those who have many years of experience.”
He added that the government also made it easier for public sector employees to retire early, noting that the number of civil servants retiring early reached 9,000 in 2019.
“Voluntary retirement is a product of the employee’s desire, without any external pressures,” he clarified.
According to Mr Madan, the questionnaire was digital – disseminated and promoted on WhatsApp and social media.
He designed the questionnaire with the help of other board members.
He stated that he is not sure whether or not a widespread probe into Bahraini pensioners was conducted in the past.
Meanwhile, 16pc complained of loneliness and a deficiency in socialisation, with 28pc answering maybe, and the majority (56pc) not having an issue with their social life.
However, 62pc responded that there are not enough activities and entertainment aimed at seniors, and 76pc believed that the healthcare offered was not sufficient for the needs of the elderly.
One limitation of the survey is that it did not include expats, because they benefit from different pension schemes and face different challenges to citizens.
Several retiree clubs exist in Bahrain, including Karbabad Retirees and a retiree subset of the Bani Jamra Club.
These groups often organise sporting activities, go on local excursions, take part in fun events and even go on trips outside of Bahrain.
The Bahrain Khibra Society was established in 2024, with the goals to provide distinctive and attractive programmes for retirees, enhance their capabilities and increase awareness of their needs and demands.
According to latest data from the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), the total number of pensioners in the public and private sector reached 86,003 individuals that includes 31,632 females.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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