Meet Catherine, who after spending 40 years in the corporate world, made a bold and purposeful decision during Singapore’s COVID-19 circuit breaker: quit corporate and redesign her life. For Catherine, retirement was never about slowing down. Having witnessed first-hand the high emotional and financial costs of medical treatment in the later stages of life, she felt deeply compelled to shift her focus toward preventive wellness.
Her new path is grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, particularly Meridian Therapy, to promote natural vitality and longevity through cellular therapy. Driven by a desire to empower women, especially homemakers, pre-retirees in corporate roles, and aspiring business builders, Catherine is a passionate advocate for holistic living, financial sustainability, and community-based education.
You made the bold decision to retire from corporate life during the Circuit Breaker and go into entrepreneurship. What was going through your mind at that time?
I had spent 40 years in the corporate world, including the last eight years in the healthcare sector, and I witnessed first-hand how the cost of acute sickness care is rising. What struck me most was that the last 10 years of a person’s life are often the most critical.
Losing mobility or ending up in a nursing home can bring overwhelming emotional, financial, and caregiving burdens. I asked myself, why not transition into preventive wellness after four decades in corporate life?
Preventive wellness means taking care of our health before problems occur. Many people still think, “If anything happens, I’ll just see a doctor,” but I believe education is key.
This career shift also came at a time when employability becomes uncertain with age, so it was both a meaningful and strategic move.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about preventive healthcare, especially among seniors and pre-retirees?
Many people believe preventive health is optional and say, “It can wait.” In reality, this mindset often results in seeking help only when pain appears, which may be too late. People rely too heavily on doctors as a last resort, incurring higher medical costs.
True preventive wellness is about saving money by avoiding expensive treatments later. It’s about consistent self-care, not crisis management.
Can you explain in simple terms how TCM Meridian Natural Therapy helps people maintain vitality and slow down ageing?
Meridian therapy is a traditional Chinese method that’s been around for over 3,000 years. It works by unblocking qi and promoting blood flow in the body. When energy moves smoothly, your organs function better, sleep improves, and your body rejuvenates naturally.
It’s like clearing a traffic jam, when blockages are removed, your system can operate freely. We use gua sha and therapeutic oils to stimulate this flow, helping the body heal itself and regain energy. We use cellular therapy that targets ageing from within, boosting stamina, immunity, and organ vitality.”
A happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement means having the freedom to build a lifestyle that energises you, supports your wellbeing, and keeps you connected.
You said your purpose is to empower women to step out of their comfort zones. Why is this message especially important today?
I have seen it in my own friend, a homemaker who struggled with self-worth after her children grew up. The world is moving fast due to technology and AI and women like her often feel left behind.
Many homemakers in their 50s or 60s don’t have retirement funds and may need to rely on their children financially. They have spent their lives caring for others but neglected their own health.
Women today are also caregivers to both children and elderly parents while managing careers. They need to prioritise their health and find ways to earn sustainably. Empowerment starts with self-care and confidence.
Your tagline includes “Community with Give Back.” Why is community service such an essential part of your mission?
Health and wealth alone aren’t enough. Value comes from giving back. I believe that if you have the ability to teach or uplift others, especially children or the underprivileged, you should. True fulfilment comes from contributing.
Yes, charity requires resources, so I also aim for financial sustainability. That’s why I look for platforms that align with my values: health, wealth, community, and lifelong learning. I organise walks and talks to educate and connect people. It’s about redesigning life after retirement, not just resting, but actively giving and growing.
What does a “happy, healthy, and wealthy” retirement mean to you personally?
To me, retirement isn’t about winding down—it’s about re-designing your life with purpose and passion. That’s why I always say: Re-design your life with Cathe and add spice to your life. It’s an invitation to rethink what retirement can truly be.
A happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement means having the freedom to build a lifestyle that energises you, supports your wellbeing, and keeps you connected. It’s not about passing time but it’s about creating impact and joy in four key areas: health, wealth, community, and lifelong learning.
I work with individuals who aren’t just looking to relax. They are business builders, creators, and lifelong learners. They still have dreams to chase, people to mentor, and new ideas to bring to life. Retirement, for them, is just the beginning of a more meaningful and empowered chapter.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
With global ageing accelerating, I hope Singapore becomes a society where people prioritise healthy living and take responsibility for their own wellbeing. We should not rely solely on the medical system, insurance, or place a burden on our children.
With long hospital queues, proactive self-care is essential. Everyone must take ownership of their health to age actively and independently.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
I would choose the power to heal instantly. Imagine being able to lift physical pain, release stress, and ease emotional burdens in a moment. That kind of gift would change lives. It would bring peace, clarity, and joy to many people who suffer silently.
Connect with Catherine: Facebook and Instagram.
Catherine is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
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The information provided on this platform is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical consultation, advice, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.
In Singapore, all health-related content is to be understood as general wellness information and not a substitute for medical consultation. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a registered medical practitioner under the Ministry of Health (MOH) before making any healthcare decisions.
