Sir, – Pensions were invented in the time of Bismarck, when the average life expectancy was 58. Thus, very few people were ever expected to qualify for a pension at 65.
In the meantime, average life expectancies keep growing and are currently at 76 for men and 81 for women. Thus, keeping the original differential, men should currently qualify for a pension at 83 and women at 88! – Yours, etc,
CORNELIUS MOLONEY ,
Chelmsford,
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Celbridge,
Co Kildare.