Some sociologists argue that the retirement age of individuals should not be fixed at a particular number, rather the person should be given the freedom to continue working for as long as they desire. I completely agree with this opinion because older people possess special skill sets cultivated over their years in the workforce which they can pass down to younger employees. Additionally, suddenly switching off from work adversely affects the seniors’ mental health.

It is natural that most sexagenarians, at the time of their retirement would have been working for around 30-35 years. Over the course of these three to four decades, they amass various skill sets pertaining to the field of their work and use it to the organisation’s benefit. If these people suddenly retire, the company loses valuable knowledge and expertise that can be used to train the company’s younger employees. For instance, my father-in-law had the option of retiring at 63 but he chose to continue and the company came up with an innovative job role for him where he started mentoring the mid-level managers on how to achieve their sales targets.

Also, it is emotionally difficult for people who have been working all their lives to suddenly become inactive without a clear purpose. Their mind is used to a certain daily routine and when faced with the prospect of not having any tasks to complete, it can cause mental and psychological issues. A recent study by Mumbai University found that a large percentage of retirees, with no concrete prospects, develop various psychological issues after they retire Therefore, such people must have the option to continue working, even if with reduced workload.

In conclusion, the decision of the age at which they want to stop working should rest with the employee. These senior workers have rich experience which can be mined for the growth of the organisation they are with. Furthermore, it can also soothe the extreme mental issues they will have to grapple with if they leave early.  

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