[Dueller]

Traditionally we have held on to the notion that age 60 or 65 or so is a time to retire from working. A logical idea when life expectancy was maybe 70. But given the demographics that exist today where life expectancy is approaching and exceeding 80 and beyond, is it realistic to think you should be entitled to stop being a productive, contributing member of society and laze around for another 20+ years?

I have nothing against someone who by virtue of wealth and assets can retire at age 50 or 35 or whenevr. But is it reasonable as a general rule that people expect to be able to retire and go on pensions for the final 20+ years of their life? Not that I would expect a 75 y.o. to continue to work at a job that requires youthful physical skill by its nature...nor do I expect that the only thing such a person could do is a greeter at Wallyworld.

Perhaps the idea of retirement in the traditional sense is obsolete. Maybe it should be replaced with a phased end to your work life such as moving to parttime positions or acting in a mentoring capacity? Maybe a moot point given the necessities of the economic mess we're in.

I dunno....