b. Employment of Older Workers Many people over 65 would like to work beyond retirement age for various reasons, not the least because as people live longer, many pensions are no longer adequate especially if living costs continue to rise. Even when not a matter of necessity, paid employment increases satisfaction and self -esteem, prevents loneliness, slows mental and physical decline and gives people a sense of purpose and the opportunity to stay connected and contribute to their communities. Economists like it too. Since the turn of the century, organisations such as the World Economic Forum, the OECD and the UN have been warning governments that the decline in birth rates and the rise in longevity will put great pressure on national budgets, not only in terms of welfare, but also with respect health and other services. At the time, many countries such as Australia were struggling with a youth unemployment problem and a middle – aged unemployment problem due ...
Practising Geographer - nature culture places people