Some jobs you just can't do until you are 70

[eridani]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/us/13aging.html?_r=1

A study by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics found that for workers ages 55 to 60, the share who said their jobs required “lots of physical effort” all or almost all of the time declined between 1992 and 2002, to 18 percent from 20 percent, but the percentages who said they had to lift heavy loads, stoop, kneel or crouch increased.

In 2002, 29 percent of workers ages 55 to 60 said they experienced chronic pain in their jobs, and 46 percent said they had arthritis.

And though more Americans are retiring early, it is not always voluntary. A 2006 study by McKinsey & Company found that 40 percent of early retirees said they were forced into it, about half for health reasons.

“If you try to punish people for retiring earlier” by raising the retirement age, “you’re punishing people who aren’t choosing it,” Professor Ghilarducci said.

This is not news to Jim McGuire, 62, a ramp serviceman for United Airlines, who started lifting bags into airplanes 43 years ago. He has had rotator cuff surgery and separated a shoulder on the job.

“From 50 to 60 was a drastic change,” he said. “The aches and pains, the feeling that your back could go at any second. My hips are worn out. In a seven-day week, I take Advil five nights for the pain.”

[Paper Roses]

1. I can certainly agree with this. As an unemployed Senior,

unwillingly retired, I feel some of those aches and pains every day. For years my job required some heavy lifting. I know damage was done to my back and shoulder. Add to that a foot problem, probably unrelated, I also crank out the Advil. These aches come on gradually until one day you come to realize you are not what you used to be.

Enter this the physical part of equation, looking for a job that allows you to avoid the exertions that would aggravate these problems has been a chore.

It is a real joke to ask Seniors to continue to work until 70 or so. We cannot control the ongoing changes to our bodies that cause us pain. Add to that, the 'current skills' factor and you will find that job hunting for a Senior is nearly impossible.

Willing or not, sometimes retiring is not of our choice. I would much rather be doing something interesting that pays me a fair salary but it seems not to me on the horizon. Laid off because of a company move, one of my best jobs went south. Months of looking has left me with expired unemployment benefits but still the aches and pains.

Many jobs that would be fun to do now that my 'career' is over carry the caveat,"must be able to lift XXX pounds. Sure!

[eridani]

3. You need to say exactly that by email, snailmail and phone, often!

You've already written a good letter--recycle it. Online connections—contact frequently!

Tell the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform that they should not cut Social Security or Medicare [e-mail].
Democratic National Committee issues page
http://my.democrats.org/page/s/contactissues
White House contact- http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ --202-456-1111


Check out the following links
Hands Off Our Medicare! http://www.handsoffourmedicare.org/handsoff//
Social Security Works http://socialsecurity-works.org/
Strengthen Social Security http://strengthensocialsecurity.org/

[justabob]

2. I am only 40 and feel the pain

I have worked physical jobs my whole life, and my body can tell you all about it. I don't know how anyone expects people to work until they are 70. The way things are going, I doubt I will be able to walk ten years from now, but at 60, 70? This idea of raising the retirement age is ridiculous.

[HockeyMom]

4. They think everybody sits at a desk

I sure don't. Sit what is that? I work with a disabled child (40 lbs and GROWING). I have to lift him countless times a day from one piece of equipment to another and then push him in a wheelchair all around. I have to get down on the capret with him to hold him up when sitting. I need to keep a chair by me so I CAN get off the floor. I am 62 and weigh 102 lbs. Other staff in their 40s have said they couldn't do what I do. Retire at 70 doing THIS???? That will never happen. I am very fortunate I can still do this right now.