Should senior’s workers retire or keep on working

There is a large debate going on in America today. It is how long senior citizens should remain on the job. Some believe that seniors should step-down to make way for the younger generation that is desperately looking for work.

There have been many advances in medicine that has prolonged the lives of the elderly. Because of this, senior citizens are healthier and more active than before. Many seniors have decided to stay on the job longer. Some of this has to do with the fact that many states have raised the age of retirement. Another reason is that the age for receiving Social Security has also gone up. Another reason is that the benefits are not enough to cover the living expenses in today’s economy.

Despite the advantages of early retirement, I strongly believe that it is better for senior workers to continue working as long as they are physically and mentally capable. I remember people telling me how much I would enjoy retirement. I did enjoy retirement for about a month. Then I would wake up wondering what to do with the rest of the day. Pretty soon I found that I had volunteered for such things as working with older people who need help. Giving tours at the court house and writing a news letter for the business community. I did do things that I always liked. Acting in a few plays and playing light sports such as miniature gulf.

January and February are the months that I get most of my exercise walking the mall in Martinsburg. Or The Wal-Mart Just outside of Charles Town. I spend more time at the library and I take in more movies. Most importantly of all I have found a way to keep working.

Those who believe that senior workers need to retire for younger generation base their case on the following arguments. First, the unemployment rate, especially for college graduates, has never been so high so it is today. This is largely due to the slow economy. Therefore, firing some elderly workers who are well-paid would allow those unemployed young people to have good opportunities to get a job. I do not buy these arguments. I have always felt that it is hard to bring in a new younger person in to fill a job that a senior has worked at for years, Besides, senior workers provide the wisdom and experience that young employees cannot offer.

And so my fellow senior citizens keep on working if you want to and have a great 2011. I’m sure that I will see some of you walking the aisles at the Wal-Mart.