There has been talk in recent times in Australia to raise the retirement age to 70. This is because people are living longer, and the average age of the population is getting higher. There is no point having a high rate of unemployment and having older people living lives with less challenges if they are able to work.
On the other hand, as people's memories wane, as their eyesight become too weak to solder, as memories become too weak to do their jobs effectively, as they become too unfit to safely climb up roofs to pull cable, etc, perhaps raising the retirement age does not make sense. As it is, people who lose their jobs after the age of 50 have a great difficulty finding another job. So raising the retirement age wouldn't really help. Instead, it would make it harder for the unemployed older people. And social security would need to assist.
What do you think an appropriate solution to this problem might be?
As I pondered this question, I was drawn to a few side points that does not exactly answer the question, but adds to the thoughts on this issue:
- In Numbers 8:23-26, Levites were told to be in service from 25-50. Ie. a retirement age was set. Some discussion on this study suggested that retirement is Biblical, even if some Christian leaders do not believe in retirement.
- The Bible's talk of work vs resting, saving vs. giving, service vs. retirement seems to imply both as a part of living, according to Bob. It is all a matter of stewardship.
- In a particular area of service, ie. school-teaching - about 30% leave their preferred profession after about 3 years. Some reasons cited for this high drop-out rate were that they lost the passion for this after children have worn them out and other attractive offers come. People need to have the right preparation and support in order to stay with their vocation.
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