Capital Public Radio Hosts-Logical People Living Longer Should Work Longer

It's a common conclusion and seems like a logical solution to the Social Security funding issue. People are living longer so have them work longer!  I heard this on Capitol Public radio this morning during a short discussion on funding Social Security. Both hosts concluded it was logical since people are living longer they should be able to work longer. I am not picking on Capital Public radio. I listen to them daily and love all their programming.  It's pretty common for anyone with a desk job to suggest, hey we are living longer so work longer.

These innocent and naive conclusions disregard the following:

1. The general conclusion usually comes from people that are sitting at desks or have a job in public office where the only physical issues will be eye strain from looking at their computers all day. What about the plumber that has arthritis in his wrists? The 60 year old maid who has to be on her feet all day? The janitor at your local school? The retail person who is on their feet all day?


2. It's great that employers like Capital Public radio appreciate their older reporters and want to keep them employed. This is not the norm. Many employers, I would actually suggest most employers prefer younger workers and push older workers out the door as soon as it is possible. It starts slowly with some job responsibilities taken away and given to younger workers and progresses into being left out of decision making and important meetings. Eventually older workers get the message and leave.


3. Try to find a job after you are fifty-plus and then suggest upping the age to be eligible for Social Security. Many workers find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own. Sometimes it's a downturn in the economy. Most of the time it is #2.  Most employers don't like older workers. Of course, there are some organizations that really appreciate the experience, education, great work ethic and team work that workers over fifty bring to the table. Those employers should be commended with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, these employers are not the norm.

I was disappointed to hear Capital Public Radio hosts jump to this naive general conclusion. The snappy conclusion does not consider real World work conditions for many older Americans.