Let the worker decide when best to retire
THE topic of older people in the workplace and whether or not the y should face mandator y retirement came up for discussion this week as Age Action Ireland called on Senators and TDs to push ahead with legislation to abolish it. For years, people viewed the age of 65 as an appropriate age to hang up the career boots and ease into old age.
However, while this might be what some people want, it is not for everyone, and mandatory retirement deprives those who want to continue to work of that freedom. For many, work and their career is a hugely enjoyable part of their lives, and at the age of 65, often they are more available than ever to commit to work demands, as family responsibilities change.
I’m certain there has been many an asset lost to many employers because of this antiquated rule and Age Action is correct to lobby for its abolition.
We are living longer than ever before which means that 65 is not the ‘old’ age that it once was. People in their sixties, would like to hope that they have many years left ahead of them and so it makes sense, that if they enjoy earning a living, they should be allowed to continue. While choice is what it is all about, there is also the practical aspect - in that- if we are living longer, then we need to support ourselves for longer and the State is not going to be able to carry the load to the standard we require. Those who reach 65 without a decent pension or provision for old age will certainly struggle to make ends meet if they only have State payments to live off.
Many will be forced to enter the queue until they turn 66 - when the State pension can be drawn down. This had lead to more 65 years olds than any other age group claiming unemployment benefit - and where is the sense in it? At the end of the day, to declare someone too old for work at 65 is ageist and if the employee is able to do their job to the same standard as ever then why should they be forced to give up work if they don’t want to?
Rather than throwing senior workers into retirement before they are ready, wouldn’t it be of benefit to draw on their experience and long-service?
Wouldn’t it be a better system, if the person themselves could decided at the age of 65 what they wanted to do and then be supported by the State and their employer to make it happen.