A Chara, - I read with interest your Editorial of September 12th on "Myths about the over-50s", and I have been following the results of your poll.
I am pleased that its results support what I have long believed to be the case: that older people are healthier and happier than ever before, and that the majority do not wish to retire before 65. In fact, the evidence suggests that a significant percentage of older people wish to work beyond 65, and there is no reason why they should not be facilitated.
When you consider John Forde's Opinion piece on the same day ("Older workers are needed more than ever"), it becomes clear that our system of mandatory retirement at a fixed age is outdated and benefits nobody.
In the UK, changes to equality legislation mean that, from October 1st, it will be illegal to set a retirement age below 65. I have long been an advocate of an end to mandatory retirement, and I believe that we would benefit from closely examining the UK legislation, which is in any case geared towards compliance with EU directives.
I am delighted to hear Mr Forde adding his support to a more positive view of ageing and older people, and your survey clearly challenges many negative stereotypes. Yet ageism is still endemic in Irish life; and it is an ill that will require a massive, concerted effort to cure.
As your survey suggests, it is time for a thorough re-examination of our attitude to older people, and I will continue to do everything in my power to put older people's issues on the agenda. - Is mise,
Senator MARY WHITE,
Seanad Éireann,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - The oldest woman in the world, an Ecuadorian, died recently at the age of 116. Not many Irish people who are over 75 would be too keen to live to that age.
I have met many in modern Ireland who suffer from loneliness, depression, feelings of uselessness and a general awareness of ageism in our society.
Perhaps in Ecuador elderly people still live at the heart of the family? There are large extended families, villages where there is always someone available for a chat.
In Ireland many old people live alone. Family members have little time for visits. They are too stressed. They may organise a carer for two sessions a week. But, even though the practical help is needed and may be very good, we cannot pay someone to love us.
Various disabilities cause discomfort. It can be hard to take exercise and even to be positive. Television does not have many programmes for the feeble old person. Ironically, the lonely person can become grumpy because of the need for the interesting exchanges of simple social life. There seems to be nothing to laugh at.
Changes in society can be seen as devastating. There may be enough money for essentials but there may be no-one to take the old person out even to see the shops.
A free bus-ride into the city is a possibility for some, with a cup of coffee alone and a look at fashions geared for the young and wealthy.
Your Health Supplement of September 5th featured "Twenty tips for a long healthy life". Think of those who would like to forget the word "long". - Yours, etc,
ANGELA MACNAMARA,
Kilmacud Road,
Dublin 14.
PS: My little book Reflections for the Golden Years (Veritas) may help some people.