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There are a number of large American aerospace companies that practice outrageous age discrimination. The laws need to be more balanced, so older employees can be better protected. Having said that, once someone can no longer do the job, it is fair for a company to release the individual.
My husband worked for a financial company. Basically, there are repeated layoffs where 90% of the fired employees are age of 45 to 65, then 10% of the fired are age 23 to 40. If you average out the age of those fired it appears not to be age discrimination because the youngster lower the average. Then the company brought in cheaper labor - either much younger or foreign labor.
My husband was always a hard worker with fantastic annual reviews so his "layoff" was difficult to take - especially with two children in college. It was little comfort that his younger & foreign replacement failed.
I think it depends on the person. I've known people in their 80's that are still sharp as a tack and healthy enough to continue working, depending on the job of course. Some of us aren't that lucky and have health problems that prevents us from continuing working at a much younger age.
Depends on whether one 'works to live' or 'lives to work.' The former retire early, while the latter continue on until they are forced to retire.
Another factor is one's plan for their retirement years. Simply "no longer going to work" will leave one equally bored and unhappy in retirement. Those with outside interests and a plan will happily retire.
YorktownGal - I agree. You can add GE and Honeywell to the list. I was an engineer at GE Aircraft Engines from 1977-1984, and only 1 engineer I knew made it to normal retirement age. I have seen the same at other companies as well.
What age is too old to work? Well, that would depend entirely on the individual. I know a university professor who's in her 90's, and is still going strong! She's an inspiration to her students, and actively mentors them. She's a powerhouse! I also recall a 60 Minutes segment on this very topic, in which people pushing 100 were still working. I think everyone who wants to work, and is still sharp and competent, should be able to work.
Retaining the option to work is of growing importance in this era of rising qualification-age for Social Security. The gummint wants us to keep working, but employers are kicking the 50+ people out. Something's gotta give.
My brother in law worked for Lockheed till he was 72. they even started paying him his pension while he was still working there full time. As it was they did not let him go he just finally retired.
I'm 66 and I've slowed down my business over the last year or so, but my work as an appraiser is just so easy I think I'd be crazy to stop completely. I have plenty of time for my hobbies and interests and I can take time off whenever I want to since I'm self-employed. My license comes up for renewal when I turn 69, so I'll give it more thought then.
Let's go with 40. Because that's when work becomes a distraction while life is full throttle on more important life goals. that's my story and I'm sticking to it
I wish more employees were like you.
Some would look at an annual performance rating that was low and blame that " false rating" on age discrimination.
I served two terms as an elected school board member and was simply appalled by some employees keeping onto their jobs well into their mid 70's when their performance had slipped considerably and never would have been tolerated by a younger employee.
I once had a talk with our school lawyer and he stated it is frustrating for him him regarding ANY discrimination case he defends against.
It seems white males under about 55 can be fired at will in many work places ( any reason/no reason)
He stated whenever a "protected" ( female, gay, religion. minority, senior) is fired , the burden is on the EMPLOYER to prove the firing was not discrimination.
He stated if it is legal to fire a white male from 18-55, the burden should be on the person claiming discrimination to PROVE it WAS discrimination rather than on the employer to prove it was NOT discrimination.
Very frustrating to hear that a 76 year old cook liked to brag about her seniority yet could not perform her tasks and threatened an age discrimination lawsuit if she got fired.
I realize the consensus of the board was 5-1 to do nothing regarding her firing, but as the lone no vote I couldn't see my taxes and those of others being wasted by keeping her employed
Your attorney is incorrect.
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that's my story and I'm sticking to it 
