posted January 09, 2010 08:15 PM         

The population bubble has slowly moved through society since the late 1940s. There are many Baby Boomers, percentage wise, compared to other age groups in demographic society.

I noticed a common feature of work colleagues when I try to deal with issues that involved child safety. A perosn, due to retire, handled a child inappropriately and comprised his safety. All parties involved ignored my complaint, side-tracked the issue, lay the blame elsewhere, diverted attention and with great finesse, passed the buck.

The common feature was that everyone involved is due to retire with the next 1-3 years. The common gossip is that these people want to retire now but are hanging out for as long as they can.

This has made me question the concept that we are try to equalize everyone in western society, therefore.......

.......should we accept that gray hair is a badge of honour and let the older generation meander to the end of their working lives?

posted January 09, 2010 09:20 PM         

I'd say that's up to the employers. And would depend a lot on the job on which way I'd lean personally. In some cases, I can see valuing older employees to those younger (even middle aged), such as one who gives tours, while in others even those middle aged might be more hindrance than help, such as working in a skate shop.

posted January 09, 2010 09:39 PM         

More taxes is a great idea as suddenly this will evolve into fewer taxes with an increase in demand on health services over the next decade.

The retirement age has been increased to 67 in Australia. It must seem like a dangling carrot teasing a person when they are nearing retirement.

It had made me wonder if there is a code of silence amongst a certain age group - an idealism that determines the values of a peer group that separates itself from the a newer political form of thinking.