We all know people in the UK are not only living longer but they are living a more healthier, balanced lifestyle. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are suggesting Employers change their attitudes towards older workers as they are capable of working for much longer and can make a valuable contribution to a business.
According to the report by ONS, the findings were that the average remaining life expectancy for a 70 year old man today was the same as a 65 year old man in 1997. Also, for a 70 year old woman had the same life expectancy as a 65 year old in 1981.
The report highlighted levels of health and wellbeing compared to the present in a favourable manner. Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister, suggested, “For the last century, age 65 has been associated with retirement especially for men. But the world has moved on. We need to change our attitudes to older workers, recognising they are capable of working for longer and have a valuable contribution to make”.
As we enter a new decade, it is interesting to learn of the lasting benefits of living a balanced and healthy life for both sexes. In the workplace, it is common knowledge or openly shared who is going to be retiring soon and we do celebrate this achievement openly.
The person leaving appears to be jubilant and excited for all the spare time they are going to have and possible new experiences they are going to gain from not working. But after a few weeks of no longer working and the initial buzz of excitement has worn off, the person affected often reflects on their time at work and recognises the importance of having a role within a business.
The importance of having a routine to follow, a purpose to get up for, a way to enable them to continue to utilise their skills and experiences by making a difference to a business. They all mean a lot more to the person who has retired. I wonder if we were able to offer the option to retire at 65, how many people would choose to reduce their hours instead.