New pension age for women, is it fair?
#1
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,081
New pension age for women, is it fair?
Men and women will have the same retirement age, most men seem to be in favour as it is "real sex equality".
This jump will cause a lot more pain for the men, than they think.
Since the average couple usually have an age difference of a few years, five years not bing uncommon, this means that the hubby will retire earlier than his wife.
So instead of being on the golf course he will be at home "keeping house" cooking the meals etc.
Also usually the care of elderly relatives usually falls on women, a woman of 60 will most likely have parents and in-laws in their 80s to care for to a greater or lesser degree.
This might have to be delegated to her recently retired husband, while she works her extra years.
In that case I wonder if the "equality" cry, will still be as loud.
I for one think that the original retirement age of 60 for women and 65 for men was designed for this purpose, so that when the man retired his 4 or 5 year younger wife, would be there to run the house and care for the older generation, so hubby could well and truly retire.
This jump will cause a lot more pain for the men, than they think.
Since the average couple usually have an age difference of a few years, five years not bing uncommon, this means that the hubby will retire earlier than his wife.
So instead of being on the golf course he will be at home "keeping house" cooking the meals etc.
Also usually the care of elderly relatives usually falls on women, a woman of 60 will most likely have parents and in-laws in their 80s to care for to a greater or lesser degree.
This might have to be delegated to her recently retired husband, while she works her extra years.
In that case I wonder if the "equality" cry, will still be as loud.
I for one think that the original retirement age of 60 for women and 65 for men was designed for this purpose, so that when the man retired his 4 or 5 year younger wife, would be there to run the house and care for the older generation, so hubby could well and truly retire.
#2
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
I don't think you can base a retirement age on a preference for age of partners. I know a few relationships where the female is at least as old as the male... I also know quite a few people who have ended up single and prefer it that way..
Where I do wonder about the logic of raising the retirement age, is this. There are 9 million people of working age in the UK who are economically inactive (eg registered disabled, students, housewives and carers etc). There just isn't the amount of jobs to keep people active, and in many jobs you have no chance of getting work once you pass 40 or 50. So, you may save on paying out pensions, but then you end up paying out housing benefit, or tax credit for those in part-time jobs. An additional point is this - if you really do get people working to 67 or 70 (or whatever the end target age is) you deny chances to the younger generation, who are already being hit hard by the lack of jobs. By all means give people the choice. But I feel it's a retrograde step that in the end will benefit no-one.
Where I do wonder about the logic of raising the retirement age, is this. There are 9 million people of working age in the UK who are economically inactive (eg registered disabled, students, housewives and carers etc). There just isn't the amount of jobs to keep people active, and in many jobs you have no chance of getting work once you pass 40 or 50. So, you may save on paying out pensions, but then you end up paying out housing benefit, or tax credit for those in part-time jobs. An additional point is this - if you really do get people working to 67 or 70 (or whatever the end target age is) you deny chances to the younger generation, who are already being hit hard by the lack of jobs. By all means give people the choice. But I feel it's a retrograde step that in the end will benefit no-one.
#3
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
I stopped working early while Mrs was still working
The first year was great.
Then unfortunately Mrs. had to stop working, spoiled my fun.
#4
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
It's very sad - I come originally from that part of the country, and personally know people including at least one relative, who worked in that industry. This will mean (yet again) as in the case of the car industry, people losing their livelihoods and probably never getting decent regular work again in that region. But, much as I dislike the politicians in charge, I don't think this is their fault at all. They have to choose a supplier who have shown they can deliver on time and provide reliable products.
Difficult decisions?
#5
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
Whilst I've never set foot on a golf course, I manage to be out most days, enjoying my hobbies of walking and photography, whilst still doing the gardening, housework, cooking etc, it's a doddle! Can't see what women make such a fuss about, for just the two of us it's extremely easy, and my wife tells everyone I'm a better cook than her! They wanted equality, now they've got it, and they're still moaning.
#6
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,368
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
Just taken her a cup of tea in bed, like every morning! They've got it made.
#7
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Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
About time too, lazy workshy dole scroungers sucking up all the public money, make them work longer, they never had it so good!
#9
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#11
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: In the middle of 10million Olive Trees
Posts: 12,053
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
I think some of the knee jerk reactions to retirement age dates is unacceptable. Men have been complaining for years about the original 5 year discrepancy, especially as they used to die before their women.
With the way pensions are being chopped up for toilet paper by employers and the agism where anyone older than 55 is unlikely to get a job everyone should be allowed time to plan for their future penury as a pensioner.
With the way pensions are being chopped up for toilet paper by employers and the agism where anyone older than 55 is unlikely to get a job everyone should be allowed time to plan for their future penury as a pensioner.
#12
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Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
I agree with Stevie, who will employ all the oldies?
The over 60's will be condemned to work in B&Q and stocking shelves in Tesco. They will all have to suffer from bad backs and depression and go on invalidity benefit
The over 60's will be condemned to work in B&Q and stocking shelves in Tesco. They will all have to suffer from bad backs and depression and go on invalidity benefit
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,368
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
That's fine, but you could give some any amount of time and they aren't going to be able to find the money, many are struggling to live now as it is, without trying to save money. Like you, and Call me Dave, I have no idea where these jobs are going to be coming from, but the system is broke, it's unsustainable, something has to be done. Whatever path we go down, it's going to be unpalatable, and I don't see why women should retire 5 years before men, so for me, it's as good a place to start as any.
#14
Re: New pension age for women, is it fair?
Retirement is a scary prospect now compared to 20years ago - maybe because I am getting nearer to it and know its going to be tough.