'In view of increased life expectancy, the statutory retirement age should be raised.' Critically examine arguments for and against this view.

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Mandy Yau 12 JMO

‘In view of increased life expectancy, the statutory retirement age should be raised.’ Critically examine arguments for and against this view.

Science and technology has developed at an increasing rate.  People are being treated for illnesses previously thought incurable, and as a result are living until a higher age.  Therefore it seems common sense that the statutory retirement age should be raised as well.  People cannot expect to work until 65 when they are going to live until 96; they will then work for 40 years and retire for 30 years.  Therefore people who are in good health to carry on working the extra years should.  It will also take less pressure off social security.

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However even now, many people retire early and do not wait until they reach normal retirement age.  Workers will they receive less than they would at the normal retirement age.  Some workers do not have the option of working until the normal retirement age.  Sometimes a worker’s health has already deteriorated to a point where working additional years is not possible.  They may need to work longer to avoid retirement in poverty, but their health may prohibit them from doing so. Although life expectancy is expected to increase, people with low- income are expected the least amount of extra years. ...

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