A Retiring Idea

A neihbour and I were chattin on the phone the other day when she admitted that she hated the fact that she was retirin next year. She loves her job and dreads bein forced out of it merely because she is turnin sixty-five.  

Do you believe an employer should require mandatory retirement and if so what ae should retirement become mandatory?

Comments

[Kimberly]

No. I think mandatory retirement is a ridiculous idea.

I know of a number of folks in my field (architecture) who have been tremendously creative and productive into their '80s; the world would be less beautiful without their contributions.

[Shannin]

As long as the job isn't compromised by someone's aging (on a case-by-case basis), I don't think it should be forced on someone.

[Tom]

We should be judged on our ability to do a job,not on our gender, race, age, religion etc.

I sit on a board along with a 92 year old. His insight, experience and knowledge is invaluable.

[Sam]

no

[Jenny]

I think people should be allowed to work as long as they want to and as long as they are able. However, for me personally, I'll take mandatory retirement at 35, please!

[tommy]

I have one of those jobs with a federally mandated retirement age of 60. As a general principle I dislike the idea of mandatory retirement ages but there does need to be some sort of competency screening for certain jobs. Mine included.

[muffin]

Thinking about this retirement stuff makes my brain hurt. Can't we just play a game? How about everyone name their three most favourite social security privitization plans? Ok? Love you, Mich!

[Mamacita]

No one deserves to hold a job they can not do, but no one deserves to be pushed out the door if they are able to do the job well. Key word: well.

Ask me about elderly drivers now.

[Tony]

Hey, if you can still flip the pie dough, you should be able to dish out the slices.

[Scully]

No. What's happened to the wealth of knowledge the world has? They've put it out to pasture because only young people can run the world, businesses, etc.

It's time we started focusing more on the wisdom, knowledge and experience of those people over 18 years of age.

[Crystal]

unless there is a reason (like military or civil service where age could deminish capability), they should not force employees to retire. Some might say it frees up jobs for younger Americans, but I don't want to take a 65 year old's job, and have them live on social security and struggle.

[kimbofo]

Let's get real here: none of us will ever be able to retire (mandatory or not) because the pension system no longer works (at least it doesn't here in the UK) and we'll all have to support ourselves until the day we die. Retiring simply wont be an option.

[Camellia]

absolutly not, it should be based on ability to continue doing the job.

[Dana]

I don't think that there ever should be a date on retirement. And it should only be forced if there is a real health issue present.

But good question.

[Nikki]

certainly not - How's that saying go? As long as they're willing and able? or somethin' like that. lol......

[Sol]

Times and health have changed so very much since this age was decided upon. It would be far more sensible to keep healthy, vivacious people working if they so choose.

[Square1]

Most certainly not. Many people look forward to their retirement, for example my own grandparents. They are still willing and able bodied people, but since my grandfather retired they have time for things such as Bible readings, youth ministry, golf, and my grandfather still does some consulting jobs for the company he retired from. They planned very far in advance, have their house paid off, and from what they make off of their various investments they still have about the same level of income as what they are used to. On the other hand my mother-in-law, is a very able bodied and dilligent worker. My father-in-law is blind, and they are struggling because she has had trouble finding a job since they've relocated. They unfortunately had it a little rougher, were not able to pay off a house, or invest, and a social security check is a very meager living allowance for two people.
As long as the person doesn't have health issues as a by-product of age that would place them in jeopordy, or keep them from performing adequately, I don't believe that retirement should be required at a certain age.

[Robert]

Of course not. I believe that retirement leads to death. Once you retire you have little to do so you die. Working keeps you alive :).

[bari]

I don't believe in it provided the person does not become a hazard to themself or others. Not sure if I'd be comfortable boarding a plane and seeing my Granny at the helm!

[annie]

People should work as long as they like. My Mom worked until 76 because she loved it, but also because she got to where when she did quit she had a comfortable S.S. income.

The sad thing is people who have worked really hard all their lives and CAN'T retire because S.S. doesn't go as far as it used to, and, like when I retire my S.S. check will probably only cover the phone bill.

[Dawn (webmiztris)]

I don't think employers should force retirement either. As long as they can still do their job as well as before, what the hell?

[Norman]

What? An actual philosophical question on the Michele blog? It's the apocalypse.....run! Actually, though there shouldn't be a requirement to retire at age 65. We should euthanize them at 64. Didn't you see Logan's Run? Oh wait, that limit was 30. Never mind.

[Milehighdivacyn]

I believe you should work as long as you are physically and mentally able.
The hell with this mandatory stuff.

[Garrison Steelle]

I FIRMLY believe in mandantory retirement ... at age 110. If you're still working at that point you're addicted and need serious help.

-G