YOUR article (“Older workers worth £6bn to the Scots economy, say accountants”, The Herald, June 20) was interesting. I am sure no one doubted the positive input on the economy of older workers and their experience but some of the figures quoted were a wake-up call for society and the stark position we will find ourselves in not too far in the future.
Many older workers who are fit and healthy enjoy the aspect of the structured life going to work offers but for many older workers this becomes impossible for them and for employers. For those in physically taxing jobs, working outdoors in all weather conditions, the effects take their toll.
Only last year the TUC published figures showing that one in eight workers need to take early retirement due to ill-health or disability. Going part-time is not an option for many or for employers, as many are in the building trade or similar occupations and are burnt out. With that in mind, that we turn to their future prospects of reward for keeping the infrastructure of the country going for many years.
State pension age continues to rise with no consideration for such workers. Taking occupations into account when considering the increase in state pension age is a must, especially as that age is scheduled to increase even more by 2025. The Westminster Government, which holds the power over pensions, needs to review this before any further damaging legislation to our ageing population is enacted. Meantime, our older generation being denied what was promised in state pension at 60 (women) and 65 (men) will continue to make a worthwhile contribution to the economy.
Catriona C Clark,
52 Hawthorn Drive,
Banknock, Falkirk.
I WAS delighted to read about Sir Vince Cable’s bid to lead the Liberal Democrats and his attitude to ageism (“Sir Vince launches bid to lead LibDems”, The Herald, Jube 21). I don’t need to be a LibDem supporter or a political person to appreciate his determination to discount any thoughts about his age being detrimental to his abilities in Parliament or in any other aspect in his life.
I am 76 and do not consider myself to be disadvantaged to “youngsters,” who think they are superior. I quit drinking alcohol about 14 years ago and, since then, I find my mental abilities to be enhanced, my memory is better than it ever and my reactions are quicker than the average person’s.
I have always been self employed and I am still working normally, running my own business. To continue working keeps you young and gets you out of the house in the morning (a good recipe for a 48-year long marriage) and avoids watching daytime TV.
Robert Hunter, The Lochans, Gartmore, Stirlingshire.
IT is disappointing that most motorists believe drivers should be permanently stopped from driving at 83 (“Drivers want fresh test at 72 but half will never give up car”, The Herald, June 20 ).
Having just returned from Cornwall, covering more than 1,200 miles without incident in the AA route planner time, allowing for roadworks, and approaching that apparently critical chronological milestone, I suggest that the fit older driver is at least no more of a danger than tail-gaiting idiots of any age, middle-lane hoggers and boy racers.
Certainly, introduce regular fresh driving tests for older drivers but it would be unfair to have a solely age-related ban.
R Russell Smith,
96 Milton Road, Kilbirnie.
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