I ADMIRE Herald journalist Marianne Taylor’s positive decision to stop worrying about her pension and embrace the prospect of not retiring at 60 or 65 (“I’m glad I won’t be retiring at 60 ... or 65”, The Herald, March 27)”.

Good luck to her, I say, but, from the young photograph adorning her article, I deduce she still has a good few years left at the coal face and may have a rethink in due course.

Having retired more than 20 years ago, admittedly enjoying a reasonable pension and good health, I am happy to admit that it has been the best job I ever had and, like many friends, I wonder how I ever had the time to work.

R Russell Smith,

96 Milton Road,

Kilbirnie.

MENTALLY and physically we change as we age, much against our will. Patience and tolerance are on a downward spiral.

Jobs working directly with people require extra doses of both. This can make life extremely challenging and stressful as you get older but, because of pension contributions, it may not be possible to have a change of employment, causing more stress.

I know people who have taken cuts in pensions just to stop work and keep their sanity; enough to enjoy the fun of retirement which, of course, I fully recommend to all and sundry.

So working longer in certain jobs is not an attractive prospect and one that I think needs to be addressed.

Sue Wade,

5 Lindston Place,

Ayr.