Chapter 8 Weekly Blog Review: Work and Leisure.
For the elderly the work is never done. Most people think once the elderly hits a certain age that they easily retire and lie a luxurious life. Before retirement some elderly still have bills to pay and money to make but because of the age discrimination in employment, which fall under the terms "Failing to hire a worker between age 40 and 70 because of age, Discharging a person because of age, etc."(209) Its already hard being an elderly person still having to work for a living being shot sown by different companies everywhere they go. I don't believe that's right at all. Its good for everyone to get social security in that way you will have a trusted fund when that time comes for retirement. Its not like the elderly does not want to work, as stated in the chapter "As may as 5.4 million older Americans (55 and over)- one in seven of those not currently working- report that they are willing and able to work but do not have a job." (210) . Its also a scary thing to be forced to retire when your not ready, there are people that have been working majority of their lives and live through it. Some may revolve their life around working. The myths are so drawn out and dramatic, these myths are dated back from old times where things weren't the same as now. Everything and everyone is being updated, I say the people because with new technology in the health field has been advanced so our bodies work more efficiently longer. One stereotype "Older workers cannot produce as much as younger workers", stating that the older doesn't move as quickly as the younger and know how to work technology efficiently. But that is not always the case I know a lot of old people that will keep you on your toes trying to keep up with their work ethic. Another stereotype "Older workers are difficult to train-they learn slowly", ok with this one I understand a little bit but not fully. With the new technology and software I understand that they might not pick up on that quickly, it may take sometime but they aren't helpless or dumb its just they haven't experienced what the younger has a view on today. Hard to train some may think that since they are older they know more and wont be cooperative, from experience of course. From my review I believe that everyone should have a fair chance at every opportunity that they may want to take in life and that shouldn't be taken away because of age.
I agree with you. Many people who reach the retirement age are not necessarily ready to retire, some people are sick and weak but others are strong and still good for the workplace. We all age differently therefore it is indeed a discriminatory act to force people to retire. Like you said many older people still have bills to pay and do not have sufficient income coming in if they retire. Retirement is suppose go be a time of relaxation and freedom not a time of stress because no one will hire you because of your age.
ReplyDeleteJornisha - this chapter was extremely interesting as it related to retirement and most of the material in it is something my family has or is currently dealing with. One point you posted regarding myths or stereotypes was older workers were slow learners and difficult to train. I do believe this could be true in many instances, especially should an elder be resistant in learning new things. My mother however does not fall into this stereotype. She is in her late 70's and is very comfortable in learning new technology and is quick at catching on. She uses a Kindle, has a facebook page, and is very good at texting. She also navigates very well on the internet and has even taught many of her friends some of her technology skills. I also believe everyone should have a fair chance and not be excluded in the work force due to age.
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