Recently, a writer cleared his throat, did some hasty editorializing (aka Challenge in modern times #412) and informed readers that “Canadians have to come to terms with the idea of a higher retirement age.” (Monte Sonneberg, ‘Pension reform requires sacrifice from everyone’, Feb. 7, London Free Press)
Really? That’s the only direction we can go as a nation? Make people work longer before receiving some benefits?
["2,012 Challenges in Modern Times - a brilliant book!"]
Though Monte doesn’t impress me much with his opening gambit, he tries really hard to convince people he’s right by sharing a compilation of related facts and details, in his opinion. His facts can be called ‘greasing the rails under hasty editorializing’, or ‘Challenge in modern times #413.’
He writes the following:
Greasy Factoid 1: “Age 65 has historically been used to determine eligibility for Old Age Security. This milestone was set at a time when seniors considered themselves fortunate to live till their 70s.”
Gord says... Now that we live longer, some people do want to work longer, for various reasons, as mentioned in PT 1. But our longer life span is not a compelling reason to deny benefits longer. There are 4,367, 892 better things to do than slug it out at work for an extra two years, and that’s just in Canada.
Greasy Factoid 2: “Today, thanks to improvements in health care, seniors routinely lead active lives into their 80s.”
Gord says... Yes, health care is improved and most workers have helped pay for the improvements. Some may, as a result, wish to be active at work until they’re carried out in a pine box. Let them. But ‘better health care’ that doesn’t mean all Canadians must consider staying at work longer. Many may wish to enjoy their good health while expanding their garden, or while doing one of the other 4,367,891 other worthwhile activities.
While readers check the veracity of my figures (I.e., is it “4,367, 892 better things to do” or some other huge number?), I’ll prepare a comment about Greasy Factoid 3.
More to follow.
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Please click here to read 2,012 Challenges in Modern Times PT 1
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