UNIONS SHOULD PROTECT WORKERS, NOT DICTATE ECONOMIC DECISIONS FOR ALL

In France, people (mostly workers and youths who have latched on as young people tend to do) were demonstrating against a proposed age hike that would take them to where the U.S, is currently (but U.S. is also trying to raise its, as well).  Nevertheless, France passed a bill today that makes retirement age equal to the U.S. though longevity in France exceeds that of the US by two years.  The United States is 38th out of 194 countries listed.

Passing the bill which was opposed by the working populace may reflect a few things.  Some may just not like change.  Some workers just don't trust government.  Some workers assume (at least those who lead the unions) that unions should make all decisions effecting the workers.  It surprises me that in the United States, workers and unions were not as visible opposing suggestions that Social Security be privatized.  Perhaps, since it didn't succeed, it was adequately resisted but it did not happen with violence or the vehemence shown in France. I'd like to think that Americans are finding that non-violent fighting is more fruitful and productive that the 'little-boy" mentality shown by the Bush administration; that the way to solve the problems in the Middle East was by bullying with war power.

Needless to say, there can only be estimates since there are so many economic variables as to what changing the age does in a country.  Writing on Social Security Around the World, the National Board of Economin Research in the US currently posts here..What can be said about universal retirement.  People neither age at the same rate nor easily accept the change in their lives that retirement may bring.  While some are healthy in mind and body at retirement age, others lose life quickly.  While some start new careers, others are lost without their work routine and identity.  Retirement is definitely not a one-size-fits-all.

VOLUNTEERING

My time is my most precious commodity and I try to guard it well. Since I am acutely aware that there are so many people who have given their time and teaching to me, I resolved many years ago to give as much back as I could, while keeping my life in balance. Recently I have begun to realize that there are many interesting volunteering opportunities.

Retired executives and businessmen do a wonderful job giving business advice. This is invaluable to people trying to start up in business, save a faltering business, or learn the things that experience, not most textbooks, can teach. People with math skills are invaluable as treasurers of non-profits, like churches, charitable organizations, and in assisting seniors, as well as others. Hospice, emotionally painful for most, has 400,000 volunteers in America.

Non-scientists can represent research subjects as community representatives on research boards. The list of possibilities requires only willingness on the part of the volunteer to share their time and talents. It is an 'everyone wins' situation. There would be far less boredom in the world if people believed that no one is without the capacity to make life easier for others by taking bit of time out of their own.

Being with others, vicariously experiencing the gratitude felt by recipients, opportunity to meet vibrant people, continued contact in settings where learning gets shared, and other wonderful reasons for volunteering exist. Take a bite of the apple that helps keep the doctor away and gives so much to so many others.