RE: Working Past 65

[Robert MacDonald <RMacDon937@AOL.com>]

While re-training and updating one's professional background is a
must in the fast technological pace of industry, the problem faced
by the older worker is not, in most cases, limited by skills but
rather the constant quest to provide stockholders ever increasing
profits.  Higher paid workers place an added burden on this profit
margin.  Most workers have periodic wage increases that, eventually,
literally price the older worker out of the competitive job market
and employers often prefer to fill positions with the younger
employee, at half the salary.  Continuing education to keep abreast
of the ever changing demands of technology is certainly an important
factor in maintaining employment viability but there are other
factors that often preclude employment for the unemployed 50+
worker.  In addition, laws that apply to age discrimination are
very hard to prove and can be difficult to prosecute within a
reasonable time frame.  In the meantime the unemployed older worker
gets discouraged by a system that is virtually unresponsive to
immediate needs.  Age discrimination exists and if we are to raise
the age of SS retirement we must face this problem with an eye
toward resolving the age problem that can afford the older worker
relief in the shortest possible time.  Three or four years of
litigation doesn't cut it when the mortgage comes due!

Mac