An Old Age Question: To Retire Or Retread?

Jimmy Carter 1924-2024

Most of us grew up fully expecting to retire at sometime around 65. This is remarkable in light of the fact that, according to one source, "... the idea of retirement is of recent origin, being introduced during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Previously, low life expectancy, lack of social security and the absence of pension arrangements meant that most workers continued to work until their death. Germany was the first country to introduce retirement benefits in 1889." (Wikipedia)

Mehmet Oz, the medical doctor and administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is proposing that Americans consider working a year or more longer than the usual retirement age. Not only are most people in better health at age 65 than their counterparts a half century ago, Dr. Oz claims this would generate enough extra wealth to "remove the [national] debt." (The Jefferson City Tribune News)

Should we rethink the idea of an arbitrary age for wrapping up our life work? 

I recall sociologist and preacher Tony Compolo noting that the only person in the Bible announcing his retirement is referred to as a "fool" for saying to himself, “You have plenty of goods laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” (Luke 12)

I'm inspired by the positive example of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, who continued to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity well into their nineties. Theirs was an expression of Jimmy's life motto: "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

Paul T. Yoder, M.D.

One of my boyhood friends, Paul T. Yoder, M.D., now in his mid-80's, is still working as a hospice care physician in LaJunta, Colorado as an extension of his life mission. The late Dr. Linford Gehman, a beloved family care physician, made house calls and provided medical care at the rural Green Valley Clinic near Bergton until he was 82. After the clinic closed in 2015 he continued to work part time at the E.A Hawse Health Center in Mathias, WV, and after that volunteered at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic for a number of years prior to his death at age 90.

These golden agers should serve as an inspiration to us all.