still working...aged 94. Is this right or wrong?

August 3, 2010 12:10pm CST
I was just watching the news and there was a story on there about a man aged 94 who works at his local DIY store. From what I heard he doesn't need to work, he says he only works because if he didn't he would vegetate. I can understand him wanting to be out amongst people but there are loads of other ways he could do that without working. Do you think it's right that he's working or is he stopping someone from working who really needs a job?
6 people like this
28 responses
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
13 Aug 10
My dad is working at 78, keeps his mind active. I really do believe that if you keep your mind active, you are much less likely to get Alzheimer's, among other things. As for taking jobs away? If the guy is doing a good job, who says that somebody else is "entitled" to have the job. You'd think there would be enough work to go around. Just look at all the roads that need to be improved, services that don't have enough people to keep up, etc.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
13 Aug 10
I shouldn't laugh, but I'm laughing... California used to have the best roads in the US. Not any more. Budget cuts...
1 person likes this
13 Aug 10
Hello Dawnald. I wholeheartedly agree. Someone passed a comment during the news story about him maybe keeping someone out of a job but yes if he does a good job then there's no reason he shouldn't carry on. It's very important to keep an active mind, especially in older years and let's hope your dad has many working years ahead of him
1 person likes this
13 Aug 10
Oh and as for the roads needing to be repaired, you should see the state of them here. The potholes are big enough to use as fish ponds
1 person likes this
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
4 Aug 10
it is a gift from God if he will be able to work in his ripe age. i think that it is not something to be pitied about. he is strong and maybe stronger than those younger than him. so it is not only the numbers that we should consider. but his health, and i think he is strong as a 50 years old. so there is nothing wrong with it. he is not an abuse of an elderly man in any way. actually i will feel more pity if he just stays at home just because he need to stay at home to enjoy his life. i don't think staying at home will be enjoyable. and if the only way to socialize is for him to work, and also i think that his work is not in any way too hard for any one and most specially for him. so i think he is just having some kind of light job. so i think he is more like playing in his job that actually working.
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello hotsummer. I don't pity him at all, he's very fit for his age and he still has his faculties, he's a remarkable man. What I can't understand is why he has to answer to an employer as a way of passing the time. Surely there are other things available for the elderly, they don't have to sit at home and vegetate unless they're physically house bound. Yes it's good that he can still work and good luck to him but I just hope he's not keeping a young person out of a job.
4 Aug 10
It's good that your grandfather had good health. Too many people put money first but what can you do with money if you have bad health? Good health is the most important thing. Hiking is a good way to stay fit, I love to walk and I wish there were more hills here so we could go for better walks, maybe camping too like your grandad did.
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
10 Aug 10
I doubt he is stopping anyone from working who still needs a job. A job, rather than a volunteer position, gives meaning to life for many people. I understand that this is especially true of men. I think he has lives so long because he works.
10 Aug 10
Hello GardenGerty. Yes you could be right, this could be the secret to his age
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
3 Aug 10
I don't think it is a matter of right or wrong, but that fact that he is healthy enough to work and I think it's great..I hope I can still work at that age, whether a paying job or to volunteer..I'd probably volunteer if I could, but if I needed the money, I rather work than take from anyone..
3 Aug 10
Hello Carmel. Same here, it feels good to know we earned what we have. I think he has every right to do what he's doing but I wouldn't like to think he's keeping someone else out of a job. I hope I'm as fit as he is now if I live to be 94
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Aug 10
Oh, I see your point now..Yeah, I think that if he is financially stable, that it would be better for him to volunteer rather than take a job from someone who needs money.
1 person likes this
3 Aug 10
I only caught the tail end of the story so maybe he is volunteering, that would make more sense.
1 person likes this
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
3 Aug 10
Hi AutumnGold, I think this guy has the right idea about staying active as long as he can. However, I too, think he could find a better way to stay active. There are so many senior citizens clubs that he could get involved with. I am sure he would have more fun that working a do-it-yourself center. Why he chose to work instead of having fun with his senior friends? Only he can answer that question. You are right, the job could go to someone younger who probably needs the job. It must be beneficial for the diy center to hire someone from the senior citizen's sector. Never the less, I admire him for his ability to still get around. I wonder if he is still driving?
• United States
3 Aug 10
3 Aug 10
Hello Angelgirl. Yes I thought the same, surely if he's fit enough to work he could be active at a senior citizens club instead, maybe playing golf or bowls or whatever he might enjoy doing. He must have a strong interest in DIY, that's all I can say. Anyway like you say we have to admire him. I didn't catch all of the story but he certainly didn't look 94 so I wouldn't be surprised if he's speeding home from work in his car right now
4 Aug 10
If that is what makes him happy then why should anything stop him. If it a risk to his health then we should warn him about the dangers and he can make a choice as to whether he wants to continue or not by himself no one should pressure anyone to stop doing something. If he is physically able then he should work.
1 person likes this
5 Aug 10
Hellp Parrot. I agree he should work if he's able but I don't agree if it means he's keeping someone on the dole. He's working to stay active but there are other ways he could stay active, he doesn't need the money. Anyway it's great that he's so fit and healthy at his age, good luck to him
@webzap (884)
• Philippines
4 Aug 10
How I wish I could be that strong when I reach the vicinity of 70 - 75. If I would be that lucky, I would rather still work than be confined at the four corners of my house doing small stuff. Working is better than just relaxing since this would be one form of exercise; flexing my body and mind and still earning a living or for some health supplement to boost my immune system.
4 Aug 10
Hello Webzap. Retirement doesn't necessarily mean being stuck in the house. There are so many things to do for retired people who are active. On the other hand there's very little for a young person to do if they're out of work. Yes it's good to still be active at that age and good luck to him, I just hope I have more to occupy me when I'm old.
• United Kingdom
4 Aug 10
I think it's nice if he wants to continue working and enjoys doing it then why not! I think a lot of people become worried about what they will be doing once they reach retirement age! They become so used to the working environment that any change from that would be quite difficult. Still, I don't like the idea of the government removing the retirement age altogether! This means that employers cannot now tell you to go once you reach that age. There are those that will definitely still want to retire though and I'm probably one of them but I'm just worried about the financial side of things! It may get to the stage where we have to keep working in order to survive later on in life. Andrew
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Andrew. Yes the abolition of the retirement age will be a problem for some and I think it might well lead to people working for far too long and keeping younger people out of work, people who really need to work. Yes if he enjoys working then fair enough but at 94 it seems that he's going to just work himself into the ground and that's sad.
@Archie0 (5636)
4 Aug 10
I think work is one way, where we can keep ourselves busy as well as keep our mind thinking all the time. I think the man spoke one thing truly if he won't work he would vegetate. I really love working, and being busy all the day, i hate sleeping. I think even i will work till i actually become so old that i cannot get up from my bed. I think its just intresting to be among people till the time you actually start decomposing.
4 Aug 10
Hello Archie. Yes it's definitely better to work, it does keep us mentally active. It's good that this man is able to work at his age but I think a voluntary job would be fairer.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
4 Aug 10
Age should have nothing to do with keeping a job. As long as you are able to perform the duties of your job, i think you should be able to work until any age you want. There is no manual that says at at a certain age you are unable to work. Only you can know when the time is right to stop working.
4 Aug 10
Hello Sender. Yes I suppose if someone is still doing their jib well they're not too old to work. What I don't really like is he's doing it just because he'd otherwise be bored...a lot of young people are bored because they can't find work at all yet they really need the money so where do we draw the line?
@jennyze (7029)
• Indonesia
4 Aug 10
Incredible. In Indonesia there is a rule that the maximum age for working is 65 years old. If they are so poor and no family to support them, they will try to work as a family gardener, a maid, sometimes collecting fire woods to sell and selling newspapers, just to get food on the table. So sad. So, do you think this 94 years old is trying to earn money? If they are not in need, I guess it is a form for them not to lose their world by sitting at home doing nothing. They want to feel important.
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Jenny. The working age here is uo to 65 too but the government are soon going to change that and let the workers themselves decide when to retire. From what I can understand he doesn't need the money, just the interaction so that's what thinks it might be better for him to do volunteer work and let a younger person in need of real work take his place.
@Iequate2 (280)
• United States
4 Aug 10
Hello AutumnGold, I think that it alright for a 94 year old to continue to work, if he not taking a position from someone else. Stores such Home Depot, Walmarts, and similar stores tend to hire older people because they are reliable, and enjoy working. One thing for certain, at 94 he is quite knowledgeable. I can definitely say, God willing, I will stay busy when I retire..sitting in my garden early mornings, playing tennis, visiting friends, traveling, and even maybe write a books, and two or three more Blogs. :)
1 person likes this
5 Aug 10
Hello Iequate. I hope you're enjoying Mylot Yes it's great that he's still working as long as he isn't stopping someone else from having a job. His experience and reliability will be second to none. I certainly hope I'm still as fit and active as him when I'm 70 never mind 94
@triselle (55)
• Canada
4 Aug 10
I think it's wise for this elderly man to still be working. Although, he should relax, do things he enjoys rather than working at an old age. As long as he's exercising his body and mind.. also having a job that's not too tough for him. Some people love work and some people don't, this 94 year old seems to love work a lot. I'm not sure if there's a age limit when owning a local DIY store, I guess he chooses to. My grandmother who is 84 can still do math in her head, elderly people fascinate me. I don't know what I'd be doing at 94, but this man sure does. Good luck to him!
1 person likes this
5 Aug 10
Hello Triselle. It's definitely good that he's still mentally and physically capable at his age. He's employed so he answers to his boss so I think he'd be better off doing something else, but if that's how he wants to live his later years then good luck to him.
• Philippines
4 Aug 10
maybe he is a kind of person that could not last a day without doing something progressive financially.. as long as he is physically fit and can manage his health at the same time enjoying the every second that he is working, for me there is nothing wrong with that.. but, if he sacrificed a lot then that is an abuse, not good anymore..
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Noelynkoi. He's the sort of peoson who needs to be active so the job gives him an opportunity to do that. On the other hand, having worked all his life you would think he would want to do something other than answer to an employer every day.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
3 Aug 10
I admire him for working, however couldn't he do a voluntary job instead? Plenty of those around which would be both beneficial to him, the voluntary sector and more importantly he wouldn't be taking a paid employed position which are sadly few and far between. I also think he's mad, he's worked all his life, why not take the small time he has left on this Earth to relax and enjoy it? Most people I am sure you'll agree can't wait to retire!
4 Aug 10
Hello Wolfie. Yes a voluntary job would be a far better option then someone who needs the money could do his part time job. I'm not saying he has no right to work but if someone who is unemployed is being kept out of a job then it's not fair. I'm sure I could think of better things to do with my time if I was his age and as fit as he is.
@Mitraa (3184)
• India
4 Aug 10
In my opinion, work is life! A person lives only because of work of many persons in our society! The efforts of many working-forces has built up our lives so nicely in the present world of technology and applications! It is a matter of very high appreciation that the person has a very high profile of encouragement for work at his century-approaching age! This, I may say, is the key for his living well with a spirited life! I can not say that the person is stopping someone from working, because in the other way, he has created work for many persons to think and analyse about his ideology and write many lines to represent his activities as well as message to the society - "Work is Life!" Thanks for this nice message in your discussion and hope the person a healthy life!!
4 Aug 10
Hello Mitraa. Yes work is life but he's had his working life and it would surely be better to allow someone to work who is desperate for a job. It's good that he can do those things and good luck to him but I think it's really not necessary for him to work at his age.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
3 Aug 10
Nothing wrong with working at age 94. In fact with his knowledge of what went on the past, it would be beneficial. For instance, he would know of the old recipes and how they prepared things long ago. That idea that it would keep someone else from working is the same as if you are old, you might as well lay down and die. We have older people who are greeters at Walmart and I think what a waste of their mental facilities. if he loves to work, good for him.
1 person likes this
3 Aug 10
Hello Suspenseful. I agree if he's able and wants to work then he should be allowed to but I also think he might be keeping someone out of a job who really needs to work. He obviously needs to stay active and be amongst people so good for him. I hope I'm like that if I reach his age.
• Philippines
4 Aug 10
our purpose why we have to work hard while we are at young aged it is because of some preparation when we got old..by that time happen we want that everything will be alright and settled already..we are only go on vacation, having fun, relaxing, and visiting to place what we wanna go..that is one of our vision to our life in the future..but we have our own freewill to choose what will make us to satisfy.. maybe by that way this old man were happy what he is doing..he got fun of it while working..well it is his choice..
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Cherwin. Yes it's his choice. It's good that he's so fit and active at his age but I don't understand why a man of his age would want to answer to an employer when most people look forward to retiring and doing what they've always wanted to do. I could see the point of him working if it was for the money but he's said he doesn't need the money, just the social interaction and there are other ways he could interact with people.
• Singapore
4 Aug 10
It's good for him to do that since he obviously enjoys it and he still has the energy to go to the store and do things. Maybe he is just helping out there and not really depriving someone else of a job? Or he may even be a co-owner? I don't think he would want to be exploited. Recently I have heard of one old lady here who's in her eighties, she's also still helping out in the home business because it keeps her occupied and she does not deem it as work, just another activity she can be engaged in.
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Bluemoon. I read about it in a newspaper today and he does get paid, it's a part time job. I think it's good that he's so active at his age and yes he definitely enjoys it.
• United States
3 Aug 10
I think it's okay. So long as it's what he wants to do. I'm pretty sure he knows he could play golf or try those exercises you do in the swimming pools or something, he just doesn't want to. I'm sort of glad for him, though, because I'm quite lazy, so I might have preferred to go ahead and vegetate at age 94.
1 person likes this
4 Aug 10
Hello Ashantiadj. Yes it's good that he's still active at his age. If he's able to do a job then good luck to him.