Should we ask over 60s to stay in?

Excellent post at 9:50 M0nica

Callistemon Yes indeed. That is a big problem in the UK. We have preferred to import people with skills and a willingness to work rather than insist on appropriate levels of education and training here in the UK.

Not everyone enjoys the type of work which they would physically be able to continue into their late 70s.

We have failed to train enough younger people to take their place and many younger employees have not received a rigorous enough training to understand the complexities of some highly skilled careers.

Chewbacca The number of jobs in the economy is not fixed and in a successful economy is continually growing. So this idea that the old should retire to make way for the young is fallacious, anyway if the old all retire the taxation on the young goes up to pay for the pensions.

When the pension age was set up at 60 for women and 65 for man, life expectancy for those reaching retirement age was well under 75. On that basis the age for receiving the state pension should now be 75 or thereabouts.

Anyway this tired old argument has long currency and has been used to justify sending wmen back into the home (taking the jobs that should go to men) and immigrants, and that quite recently, (send them back they take the jobs and reduce the wages of decent white workers). Many people work because they want to and because they have skills younger people do not have.

The rapid construction of windfarms currently owes a lot to people like DH, aged 77 and many of his previous work colleagues, who are still working and have transferred their decades of experience moving oil and gas platforms around the waters off Britain and Europe to moving wind generators offshore. As the offshore oil industry has slowed down over the past decade, the youngsters just do not have the experience.

MayBee70

I think she was just pondering. Kittylester isn’t one for controversy or stirring.

No, kittylester is not a poster known for causing controversy. It was an OP asking for opinions.

That's interesting, kittylester, I missed that discussion on the radio.

I do think many people are still having to work when they would prefer to retire as evidenced by several threads about the change in state pension age.

However, I don't think it is feasible or practical.
As someone upthread pointed out, she is having to go out to care for her mother!

We have to manage our own risks and abide by any rules and that should be the same for all age groups.

Perhaps paying state pensions at 60 would encourage people to retire and then more jobs would be available for younger people.

I've thought that for a long time Callistemon and it seems even more relevant now than ever, with so many younger people losing their jobs. I'd gladly have moved over to make room for a young person if I'd have got my pension at 60.

sparkynan, (fyi) I retired at 65, just last year - and I'm very well aware (and so grateful) that I'm fortunate in being able to isolate myself.

It's like being in a luxury prison, mainly solitary confinement but allowed out with the dog - quite acceptable and bearable for a good long time.

If I were still teaching teenagers and adults, I doubt I'd have been able to avoid contact with the infectious!

It's certainly true that, if people got state pensions at 60, more jobs would be available for younger people. I've often thought that.

However, I still don't think people over 60 should be confined to the house. So many of us have genuine responsibilities.

Hetty58

Chewbacca (and Casdon) very true. Maybe it's time all over 60s were 'furloughed' and given financial support? Surely it would relieve pressure on the NHS.

Perhaps paying state pensions at 60 would encourage people to retire and then more jobs would be available for younger people.

People over 60 still work. I ought to know as I am one of them! Additionally, plenty of people over 60 are looking after elderly relations and I am one of them too.

People in their 60's are spending money on the High Street and, although health and prevention of deaths is so vital, this is helping put money in physical till and keeping the High Street alive.

No!!

Have never seen..

Suziewoozie, I never seen Kitty stir. I fear you have misinterpreted her intentions.

MayBee70

I think she was just pondering. Kittylester isn’t one for controversy or stirring.

Agreed.

suziewoozie

I’d like to know why she even started the thread - a thread discussing a serious policy proposal is one thing but I regard this thread as just stirring and unnecessarily upsetting.

I started the thread because I have heard it mentioned on the radio.

Over 50s actually are the most vulnerable so by asking those aged over 50 to stay at home we could save lives and and help the nhs.

In the first lockdown there were Keyworkers. Why couldn't some necessary over 60s be classed as keyworkers?

As I said earlier, Dh worked for the NHS till he was 71 so I am not downplaying the role of older people at all.

Can you explain what exactly I was stirring suziewoozie? I take it you dont agree

But, hey, I was only asking opinions!

I think she was just pondering. Kittylester isn’t one for controversy or stirring.

I think it was just a conversation starter Suziewoozie and that kittylester wasn't "stirring it" at all. Perhaps it was just an opportunity to see what different people's outlook on the subject would be, if it came to pass. I'm absolutely sure she didn't intend to upset anyone.

I’d like to know why she even started the thread - a thread discussing a serious policy proposal is one thing but I regard this thread as just stirring and unnecessarily upsetting.

As has been said on here kittylester many people in their sixties are still working and often looking after Parents in their eighties and nineties. It would be helpful if you could tell us why you personally think that over 60's should be asked to stay in and then we can have a proper debate. What is your view based on, how will it control covid and what will it achieve. That would be far better than just making a statement saying "I think so" without telling us why or backing it up with evidence. Over to you kittylester

Hetty58

Chewbacca (and Casdon) very true. Maybe it's time all over 60s were 'furloughed' and given financial support? Surely it would relieve pressure on the NHS.

That would suit me down to the ground Hetty.

I would love to sit at home all day, catching up on my reading and crafts plus catching up on TV, unfortunately I have to work (61) unlike some of you older people who got to retire with state pension at 60! I have to work until I'm 66. I wouldn't be furloughed as I am a careworker... for my local council. Plus GC duties for DD that has to continue working.

twiglet same here, I work in a supermarket, but also look after my dad, especially since my mum died last month.

So shielding would not work for me.

We are short staffed at times and quite a few of us are 60 or just over, I retire officially in around 12 months.

It’s all too depressing so I think I’ll continue to put my hope in a successful vaccine, otherwise my depression will return big time. I have to have hope.

Well, for millennia people have thought the end was nigh. And we do live on a finite planet doomed to be ended when the sun dies. Or an asteroid hits us.
Yes we are doing dreadful things to the planet, but we are beginning to learn and in a way Covid will be a natural correction by limiting the population a bit.
Let us appreciate today and try and live as eco friend warriors. I might do a litter pick today.

No I’m 71 and work as a nanny and look after my 2 grandchildren 1 day every other week.I do good social dis wear a mask and plenty of hand washing why single fit and Healthy people out luckily I live in a very low rate area

No.