Dear AARP,
I would like you to consider introducing legislation to eliminate the 'mandatory' retirement date. It seemed like a good thing at the time; a goal toward which to strive. But, somehow that arbitary chronological date has morphed into a 'Best If Used By' date. It seems that the only segment of the population that looks forward to anyone 'aging out' are the purveyors of hearing aids, walk-in tubs and assisted living communities. Try applying for work. Oh, they'll never say that you're 'too old', but you're certainly 'overqualified'. Overqualified to drive a car that delivers parts to mechanics? Really?
Let's let the individual decide when he or she is ready to leave the workforce, not someone younger than my youngest child. No one tells the 90 year old Senator that he has to retire. But, teachers are forced to retire. If we will accept a citizen over the retirement age running for President, a rather high-stress job, then why should I be excluded from, oh say, being a Park Ranger, a first responder or an air traffic controller simply because I'm eligible to belong to your organization. It is the individual's mind and body that determine suitability for anything in life, not a measure determined by revolutions of the Earth around the Sun.
The 'Best if Used By' measure is both epidemic and inherently damning. Walk into any coffee bar. The barista, certainly as young as your grandchildren, will immediately decide that you're up for a 'medium roast with room for cream' when what you're really looking forward to is the 'double fat, extra whipped frappawhutzit with an extra shot.' Heck, we enjoy life's simple pleasures, too, right? We're aging gracefully. We're not dead … yet! I walked into a Wendy's and ordered a light meal. The order taker looked up, smiled and said 'Senior drink, right?' Come on guys. If I want to eat a 6 pack of chicken nuggets and dip them in my Frosty, that's simply my inner child breaking out; despite the support hose and orthopedic shoes.
The only good news here is that BJs checks the ID of everyone who buys wine or beer. That makes me feel young again. We must seek out our silver linings wherever we find them.
Karl
