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I turned 30 and moved into a retirement community for 2 years. Here’s what I learned

A sign in the retirement community where the author has been living for the past two years.

On March 13, 2020, I was flying from New York to Florida to visit my parents for the weekend, carry-on suitcase in tow and excited to escape the cold for a few days. The pandemic hit and a weekend turned into two years .

Like many in the corporate world, my company went remote indefinitely. I couldn’t reason with paying New York City rent until I knew for sure we’d be returning to the office. So, I stayed. I had just turned 30 years old and was back living with my parents in their retirement community — yes, a literal retirement community. This ruffled some feathers since I was clearly under 55, the minimum age requirement for residents, but there were just as many people who were excited to see a young person hanging around. I slowly started making friends with people almost triple my age.

At first it was fun, like living on a cruise ship. I went to bingo on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thursdays were burger night at the clubhouse. On Fridays, there was live music and dancing. You could vote for the president, get vaccinated and see an Elvis impersonator all without leaving the neighborhood.

Christina Manna poses with her mother and friends during a game of bingo.

But after a few months, an identity crisis ensued as I found myself surrounded by golf carts, water aerobics, shuffleboard games and estate sale shopping. I attended board meetings where hot-button topics included purchasing new patio furniture for the community pool. On multiple occasions, I witnessed ambulances rushing to the houses of our elderly neighbors. (Don’t worry — they are all OK.)

You could vote for the president, get vaccinated and see an Elvis impersonator all without leaving the neighborhood.

The time has come for me to return to New York, but not before reflecting on life lessons learned from two years of being the youngest person in the room. Some of them are serious, some less so, but I think all of them are valuable.

Manna with her parents, who were among the youngest in the retirement community — until their daughter moved in.

5 p.m. is too early to eat dinner

I’m just going to say it: The early bird special is not all it’s cracked up to be.

When the world first shut down, my parents and I would joke that after breakfast we should just stay sitting at the table until lunch because there was nowhere else to go.

We got on a 5 p.m. dinner schedule and while early bird dinners out included half-off appetizers and no crowds, when 8 p.m. rolled around, I’d be standing in the refrigerator light kicking myself for not taking home the leftovers.

Of course, now when friends suggest a 7:30 p.m. dinner reservation, I enter into a slight state of panic. How will I wait that long to eat?!

Manna traded skyscrapers for palm trees when she moved from New York City to a retirement community in Florida shortly after her 30th birthday.

Doctors are your friend

Living in a retirement community made it clear to me how much the habits we create now matter later in life.

Reminders of our health are everywhere. Doctors often come to the clubhouse and perform preventative scans at discounted rates. We recently got a piece of mail offering a free lunch to attend a “benefits of cremation” seminar — a grim reminder that our days are numbered.

Hot tip: AARP Magazine is an abundance of riches when it comes to health education and preventative practices. Don’t wait until you’re 80 to read about things you should be doing at 30.

I’ve visited more doctor’s offices in the last two years than I ever made time for pre-pandemic and I’m glad I did. It’s easy to let regular checkups take a backseat now that our schedules are filling up again, but I’m vowing to continue to prioritize my health so that, God willing, when I’m 80, I’ll be the first one on the dance floor.

Manna rarely has to leave the retirement community. Her days are now broken up by social events like this women's luncheon, which followed a fashion show.

Don’t wait to be retired to do all the things retired people do

I now fully understand the saying that “youth is wasted on the young.” If you’re a millennial like me, your Friday night probably does not consist of bingo, a Tom Collins and the electric slide. Yet this is an exact snapshot of my life. And, well, it’s awesome.

The retirees I met know how to have fun — even if it sometimes gets them in trouble. In our community, people can get “written up” by other residents for misbehaving. Believe it or not, it happens often for reasons such as dancing too provocatively at the clubhouse or honking your golf cart horn too early in the morning!

The mentality of working hard now to enjoy life later is something I fundamentally disagree with.

The mentality of working hard now to enjoy life later is something I fundamentally disagree with. I think now is when we’re supposed to enjoy life. Even as I return to the office and get settled into a new routine, it’s important to me to carve out time for pure and simple fun — and maybe a game of bingo every now and then.

You don’t have to have it all together to feel like you have it all

Before the pandemic, I equated who I was with what I do and where I lived. It’s easy to build your life around those things. But my life is so much more than that.

I got to experience so many precious moments I wouldn’t have been able to if I didn’t move back home — but only when I stopped to take them in. Family dinners, watching my parents dance in the kitchen, chatting about life while on an evening walk, playing board games, cooking with my mom, taking a ride with my dad in his classic car with the windows down listening to Springsteen, or just pausing to breathe in fresh air and gaze at the palm tree branches swaying in the wind. I’ll never regret slowing down to be present in moments like these and I’m grateful for all of it.

Two years have passed since Manna moved into her parents' retirement community, and while she is planning to soon return to New York City, she is savoring the remaining peaceful moments spent watching palm trees sway in the wind.

Of course, I have a million questions about what’s ahead. The other day I was looking at a turbulence forecast before a flight and thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could forecast turbulence in our lives? Imagine if we could see when things were going to get rocky and when they’d smooth out again.”

But I’ve come to realize that the absence of knowing is the presence of faith. It made me think of this quote by Rachel Remen: “Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

I do not need to have all the answers to move forward — just a grateful heart, a good spirit and, hopefully, continued hip mobility for decades to come.

Christina Manna is a digital booking producer at TODAY.

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Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: ‘Time Is on Our Side’

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Rohit R. is a junior at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, N.J. Roy responded to KWHS’s recent outreach for student essays with a pitch about the importance of saving for retirement, a topic that is not typically top-of-mind for 16-year-olds. After all, when you’re a teenager – retirement just seems so far away. But, as Roy points out, starting early can make a huge difference. And considering 46% of all American workers have less than $10,000 saved for retirement and 29% have less than $1,000 saved, it’s never too early to start thinking about your nest egg. In this essay, Roy helps us understand why.

Both my parents are computer engineers. My father Jaideep is vice president of information technology at HSBC, a global financial services firm, and my mother Anu is a senior IT professional at Verizon Wireless. I often hear my parents discuss their retirement plans and the likelihood that they are not saving enough for the days when they are no longer earning income from their jobs. They worry about not being able to pay for housing, transportation, medical care and other basic living expenses after they retire. Additionally, they want to travel, play golf and eat out, but are anxious that they won’t be able to afford the good life. They often lament the fact that they did not start to save for retirement earlier in their careers. My parents tell me a lot of things (sound familiar?), but they especially tell me not to make their same retirement-planning mistakes.

Retirement Savings Shortfall

Medical advances and today’s healthier lifestyles mean that we are likely to live longer than ever before. According to some estimates, millennials are expected to live beyond 90 years of age. Considering the average retirement age in America is around 60, most of us will need to save enough money to live for another 30 years or more after we stop working in our full-time careers.

A recent study by the National Institute on Retirement Security estimates the overall U.S. retirement savings deficit or shortfall to be between $6.8 trillion and $14 trillion.

And according to a recent research report by Vanguard, saving for retirement is lowest among employees who are younger than 25. Only about 50% of employees younger than 25 saved for retirement in 2015, while about 70% of employees between ages 35 and 64 took advantage of employer retirement plans to put money away for retirement. My biggest takeaway from all the numbers: most young Americans don’t start saving early enough.

In addition to employees not saving for retirement, opportunities for other income streams are also fading. Most companies in today’s business world have stopped offering traditional pension plans where the employer provides money after retirement. Additionally, the Social Security Trust Fund — Government-provided Social Security for older Americans — is severely underfunded and is expected to run out by around 2033. As teenagers, we can’t depend on these previous sources of income to provide financial security in our old age. It is up to us to save enough money for our golden years.

The best time to start thinking about saving for retirement is when you start generating income, especially as you begin your career. My parents have saved money in two popular retirement plans called the 401(k) retirement plan and the Individual Retirement Account ( IRA ).

A 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to deduct money from their salaries and to contribute that money to their own 401(k) retirement account. The benefit is that these deductions are not subject to federal and state income taxes. For example, last year my parents contributed $36,000 ($18,000 each) to their 401(k) retirement accounts, enabling them to save more than $14,000 in income taxes. Another benefit is that this money is pre-committed, meaning you don’t physically have to save it yourself — once you specify the amount and set it up through your employer, the money automatically deducts from each paycheck that you receive and is invested through the 401(k).

Most employers also provide an added incentive for employees to save using 401(k) accounts by matching their contributions. This essentially means that employers are giving you free money to save for retirement. So, once you enter the work world take full advantage of it! My parents, for example, received more than $12,000 last year in matching contributions from their employers! One thing to keep in mind is that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does limit the amount that can be contributed to a 401(k) plan. The 2016 limit is $18,000.

The money contributed to a 401(k) plan can usually be invested in financial instruments such as mutual funds. Mutual funds are financial products that invest in collections of stocks and/or bonds and offer higher rates of return. Thus, the tax-free money saved in a 401(k) account has the opportunity to grow over a period of time.

You can start taking money out of the 401(k) plan after you reach 59½ years of age. You will be hit with a 10% penalty if you try to take the money out sooner. This, of course, is to ensure that we are forced to save for retirement and do not raid our retirement accounts for frivolous activities. Once we start withdrawing money during retirement, that money is then subject to federal and state income taxes. Since we will not typically have other income during retirement, the taxes that we will have to pay will be significantly lower than what we will have to pay while working.

An IRA is very similar to a 401(k) retirement plan. An IRA offers tax-deferred growth on retirement savings and is not to be taxed until the money is withdrawn. While the opportunity to contribute to a 401(k) plan is restricted to people employed by companies that offer such plans, anyone can contribute to an IRA as long as he/she is less than 70½ years of age. The maximum amount that can be contributed to an IRA is limited to $5,500 for 2016.

Multi-millions in Your Future?

I feel that saving for retirement is crucially important for my future happiness, and I plan to save for retirement as soon as I start earning income. Time is on our side. High school students can even contribute to an IRA to the extent that you have earned income – so if you have a real job and are reporting your income on a tax form, you can start saving for retirement now. Talk with your parents or guardians, and research your options. If you’re not yet 18, you will have to open a custodial account, meaning your parents must co-sign. But the advantages of even starting a few years before college can really add up.

If you’re still not convinced, consider the following reality check. If you save at least $12,000 per year from the age of 21 and get just a modest 5% return on your invested savings, then you will have more than $2 million saved in your retirement account by the time you’re 67. It’s all about planning for your financial security – and a well-deserved trip or two to Hawaii. Hope to see you on the beach in a few decades!

Conversation Starters

Rohit says that his parents “often lament the fact that they did not start to save for retirement earlier in their careers.” Essentially, they feel they wasted valuable time. Why? What is the value in investing sooner in life?

Have you ever thought about retirement savings? Do your parents or guardians save for the day they will stop working? Go home and have a conversation with your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles about retirement. Write down three or four key takeaways from your discussions and share them with the class.

The statistics for saving early for retirement are really compelling. And yet, the data show that not many Americans are saving enough money. Why do you think that is? What is preventing them, especially if they have enough income to save?

6 comments on “ Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: ‘Time Is on Our Side’ ”

It is very important to save money for retirement. It was a great assay.

I have thought about saving for retirement in the future. My parents don’t have the luxury of being able to do that. I think that many American’s are not saving money because they don’t have the money to save.

Value investing sooner in life is the value of time and knowledge and being past everyone when it comes to a young age. Saving for retirement is very important to have the money you need to be financially stable and don’t have to work when you get older.

I haven’t thought of retirement savings right now. My parents save for the day they stopped working. I learned from my mom that the retiring population is bigger than ever before. Also its the only time when you no longer owe anybody money. I think Americans are not saving enough for retirement because the lack of high living expenses and limited access to retirement benefits.

Yes, I have thought about retirement savings. I hope to save enough to retire early and travel. My parents are also saving for their retirement.

I believe Americans are not saving up for retirement mainly because of a few reasons including high living expenses, unawareness of benefits, and lack of opportunity to begin. The amount of people I’ve met who aren’t knowledgable on IRA’s, pensions, and 401k’s is heavily surprising as they can really make a huge difference!

The Economics of Rising the Retirement Age Essay

The latest demographic complexities as well as reduced returns from investments are posing a major threat to keeping employees who have reached their retirement age longer at their jobs. This realization has hit major first world governments.

These governments have reacted swiftly and are proposing to increase the retirement age. Ironically, the retirement age is currently at 63, which is one year lower that the 1970s. This means that the governments see the need to raise age of retirement as the best means to keep the cost of pension affordable.

The increase of retirement age may not be such a problem to countries struggling with an aging work force provided the countries balance the supply of the work force with the rate of retirement. However, this may be a problem because latest statistics indicate that life expectancy and fertility rates are declining.

Therefore, the said governments are facing the challenge of having an increasing population but which has a reduction in fertility and productivity. The economies of these countries are therefore less productive than they should.

There are advantages though of rising the retirement age of employees in these countries. Governments get to benefit on two ways. Firstly, these employees add to the government revenue in form of taxes.

Secondly, and as mentioned earlier the governments get to keep their pension bill down. While people argue that working for longer increases the countries productivity, economists have raised the concern at the quality of their production by such an old aged work fore.

The agreement is build on he fact that older people cannot be expected to be optimally productive at demanding jobs. Actually this amounts to paying a significant percent6age of employees to do nothing that is of value to the economy (Thomas para 1-6).

The debate to increase the retiremen6 age began in the early 1980s in developed counties especially USA. The idea was informed by the fact that citizens were living longer than expected. To keep theme economically productive the countries proposed the increase in retirement age.

Suffice to say that the experience of age is also another factor that makes the aging population marketable at the job place. However there was a worry about the rising cost of pension (Schulz 164).

While the argument was met by a quick response that the cost would be met by encouraging some of the employees to retire early, the argument does have various shortcomings.

The argument does not consider those employees who retire involuntarily especially due to such factors as poor health, unproductivity or even retrenchment. This argument does not answer the question whether an older workforce will be able to meet the productivity demands.

Rising the retirement age is purposed at ensuring the retired population becomes self sustaining; that they will have something to0 live on in their sun set year. While it is vital to focus on the aging population and make it self sufficient, countries risk several things.

To begin with countries raising the retirement age risk overburdening the young working population. This is happens in two ways; reducing the number of jobs available and using more of their taxes top pay of their older and aging working colleagues.

Several government have notice these risk and have also opted to focus on the young population. Several pension schemes are used in a number of countries. They range from automatic enrollment into saving schemes.

These mean that a citizen is automatically enrolled into the pension scheme upon attainment of a certain age. Some other countries opt for compulsory enrollment, and use a tax incentive to motivate the younger working population to save fro their old age.

Record show that when the young have earned a tidy sum they may either spend it recklessly upon retirement (Morgenstern paea 1-4). This proves that the government should not merely focus on making the young ones save for their old.

The savers attitude and knowledge upon retirement is crucial. Governments should focus a little more attention to educating the people on how to manage their pension upon retirement.

Thus the success of a sustainable pension scheme is not just the government’s efforts to save but also how the people manage their retirement benefits. For instance saving for life and then only to use pension to pay for debt accumulated over the period of ones life is not economically sensible.

Those in support of the efforts to raise the age of retirement assert that it will boast and stabilize the social security of a country. This will be achieved through stabilizing the pension industry as fewer employees will be pensionable in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, a reduced pensions bill will reduce the raising national budget deficit created by t ever increasing need to take cater of the aged population in a country.

Raising the retirement age is also seen as one of the options of for reducing national budget deficits (Mckinnon , Boles And Vaughan Para 9). This is usually a valid reason at face value. It prep supposes that no one wants to retire and that all professions will be bound by this rule.

However a clearer look at the situation presents a more complicated picture. Stability of the pension industry is just a future dream. This is because the changing demographic dynamic makes it impossible to have an accurate estimation on pension needs in the years to come.

Furthermore it is also difficult to estimate on average when the current generation of retiring employees will die. Such complexities present glaring hard truths about the uncertainties of the future especially for the aging population.

The idea of rising the retirement age has been mooted by those who think that it is an effort to provide money for retirees to spend. This is hoped to ramie the spending level of the entire nation and as such will provide enough business for the younger generation. (Altmann para 6). Furtyrmore efforts to estend the working life is seen as a way of retaining essential profession skills necessary for economic development (para 8). This therefore implies that the baby boomers are the key pillar for economic growth and sustenance.

Will be able to be of economic benefit both to the economy as well as to themselves. Te assumption is this case is that all retirees will be wise spenders of their retirement benefits. Furthermore this argument also assumes that allowing the elderly to continue working does have an overall positive effect on the economy.

As in deed mentioned earlier, the argument also asserts that the aging population can actually be able to maintain economically productive levels. By not letting the baby boomer not to work the economies will be negatively affected.

While there have been plan set to let this group of people to work on part time basis, the over emphasis on allowing them to work is not the key to supplementing the inadequate governments pension schemes.

Critics of this theory argue that what modern economies need is a young and vibrant worker who van understand the dynamic needs of the modern day job. Furthermore, the number of unemployed people aged 55 and over is alarmingly high.

Therefore increasing the retirement age simply has a negative impact on the economy. This is due to the fat that it raises the unemployment are as well as makes longer the year that this people spends looking for a job (Geewax para 3-7).

This in effect raises poverty levels especially in this group of citizen. Furthermore it increases the number of years that the spend without being able to access social welfare benefits for retirees. This has an effect on the poverty index too.

The age at which people retire is a complicated matter. This is because it has a direct effect on the economic set up of that country. Governments need to reign in and control the raising pension bills, which are resulting to national budget deficits.

Various ideas have been put forward to reign in on the increased level of national budget deficits. Rising the retirement age is one of them this view sees a job as more that just a means to earn a decent salary.

For these brand of economists, having a job is necessary toward national and economic development. However as debate continue of the need to raise the age of retirement, government pensions schemes continue to feel the pinch of an increasingly aging population

Works Cited

Altmann, R. “ Scrapping the default retirement age will benefit the economy. ” The Guardian. 2010 . Web.

Geewax, M. “ Raising The Retirement Age: Can It Balance Budgets? ” npr. 2011. Web.

Mckinnon, J., Boles, C. And Martin V. “ Deficit Panel’s Leaders Push Cuts. ” Wall street journal. 2010. Web.

Morgenstern, M. “ A special report on pensions: A nudge and a wink ”. The Economist. 2011. Web.

Thomas D. “ Pensions: 70 or bust! ” The Economist. 2011. Web.

Schulz, J. The Economics of Aging. West Port, CT: Auburn House. 2001. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2024, March 5). The Economics of Rising the Retirement Age. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-economics-of-rising-the-retirement-age/

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When should I retire? It may be much later in life than you think.

Companies that fail to take advantage of expanding work spans are leaving value and money on the table..

Career and retirement planning used to be straightforward: You climbed the career ladder before leaving to enjoy a couple of twilight decades of retirement. It was a binary proposition − you were working until you weren’t.

Those days are as bygone as pension plans. Demographics and desire are reshaping the very idea of retirement − what it involves, when and how people do it. This is not your parents’ retirement plan. Society’s infrastructure and attitudes have to adjust to this new world of work − and quickly.

While most Americans still want a traditional, full-stop retirement, it is a smaller majority than you might expect. According to a recent Harris Poll survey , 56% of Americans eventually want to leave the workforce. The rest are a mix: 30% want to partially retire (working part-time or consulting, for example), while 7% never plan to stop working and 6% don’t know what they want to do.

About 1 in 5 Americans 65 and older were employed last year, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center report − nearly double the approximately 1 in 10 who still worked in the 1980s.

The way we view retirement is changing

On the retirement issue, three distinct camps are emerging: The “clean breakers” (full retirement), the “re-inventors” (transition to part-time work) and the “never-stoppers” (no retirement).

Strikingly, according to our survey, the desire to fully retire is strongest among younger workers and diminishes the closer one gets to the actual end of one’s career. So, while 63% of non-retired workers under the age of 34 look forward to a full retirement, that figure drops to 59% among those ages 35 to 54 and then plummets to 36% for those 55 and older.

Better pay, no job: High wages, 32-hour workweeks sound great, but there's a steep price

There is an immutable economic logic to this: Too many Americans don’t feel financially ready to leave the workforce. We can see a new kind of job-lock − people unable to retire because they can’t afford to do so.

We’re 40 years into a massive shift in how people pay for retirement. In 1984, the number of Americans with defined contribution plans such as IRAs exceeded the number with pension-type plans for the first time, and we’re still grappling with what that means.

But there’s something more at work here. Life expectancy has grown over time, casting the post-65 years in a different light.

Americans now think not only in terms of a protracted life span but also health span (how long you’re not simply alive but healthy) and, yes, work span .

Older people are working longer. Corporate America, take note.

What were once twilight years are looking brighter and longer. Suddenly, 65 no longer seems like the end point for work.

What does that mean for corporate America? Multigenerational work is here to stay, and today’s companies need to harness the potential of not just three or four generations, but five .

Work-life balance is a life. We need to create better workplaces.

Leaning into the emerging multigenerational workforce − with five generations working side-by-side − will lead to higher output and economic growth. A 2020 study from the World Economic Forum and other researchers estimated that investing in this future will raise per-capita GDP by almost 19% over the next 30 years.

It makes sense intuitively: Older workers take a wealth of experience with them when they walk out the door, so retaining them is a plus. Modern business strategy dictates that a diversity of experience and views lead to stronger outcomes.

Some forward-looking companies are already gearing up to take full advantage of the gray-hued workforce of tomorrow. General Motors and Boeing have started return-ship programs, allowing older workers to return to their jobs and add value.

Other companies are looking for ways to retain older workers . Microsoft, for example, is keeping benefits largely stable even as older employees shift to part-time work, while Marriott offers more flexible scheduling. These case studies shouldn’t be outliers; they are trailblazers.

The companies that fail to take advantage of expanding work spans are leaving value and money on the table. Relying on three or four generations alone to contribute is a thing of the past. Perhaps it is only a matter of time before chief longevity officers take their place in the C-suite.

While the age of America’s presidential candidates is a hot-button issue in 2024, we should get used to our graying reality. Increased participation in society is a positive development, with older Americans bringing the perspective that millennials or Generation Z haven’t yet accumulated. Not only are baby boomers more experienced, but they also exhibit the lowest levels of burnout and highest levels of engagement at work .

As long as these older participants remain sharp and passionate about solving problems, a multigenerational America is a more robust society.

Who knows: Maybe in a few decades, people won’t be so freaked out by septuagenarians running companies like JPMorgan Chase or Microsoft − or winning the White House.

Will Johnson serves as CEO of The Harris Poll , one of the world’s leading public opinion, market research and strategy firms.

Task 2 Essay: Retirement Age (NEW)

Question: Some people believe that it is a good idea that older people continue to work if it is possible for them to do. Do you agree or disagree?

Band 8+ Sample Answer:

(Intro) One school of thought holds the belief that we should raise the voluntary age of retirement and therefore give older people the freedom to continue their work as long as they desire. I completely agree with this statement for the sake of the economy and well-being.

(Body 1) Firstly, if large swathes of employees retired while still in their prime it could have detrimental effects on a country’s economic prosperity. In some European countries, such as France and Germany, older people are incentivised to stay a part of the workforce for as long as possible to keep the economy afloat. On a societal level, this is based on the notion that if more older people remained employed, they would retain higher disposable incomes, which is a plus for both individuals and the governments. Meanwhile, within a business context, the complimentary skill sets of older and younger workers’ skill sets have been shown to facilitate higher productivity.

(Body 2) Furthermore, if seniors stayed working, it would be synonymous with improved well-being. For example, work enables the brain to keep functioning actively, which leads to a lower risk of developing brain illnesses such as Alzheimers. studies have indicated that the longer this ‘golden’ generation can stay productive members of the workforce , the better their physical and mental health would be. This has a clear knock on effect for governments as the budget allocated for pensions, nursing homes, and a range of social and healthcare services, would be significantly reduced.

(Conclusion) In conclusion, the world’s population might be on an unstoppable course toward old age, but this demographic transformation does not have to come with dire economic ramifications; instead, we can view it as an opportunity for economic gains and a reduction in the strain on social welfare systems. I think the government should provide workers who are nearing retirement age with access to re-skilling programmes to allow them to stay healthy and economically productive. (317 words)

Words: Student essay, corrected & upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS examiner.

Image: Ahsanization ッ / Unsplash.

IELTS essay, topic: People should not work beyond the retirement age (agree/disagree)

IELTS Essays - Band 8

Some believe that people should not continue to work once they reach the age of retirement. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.

In recent years, with the improvement in healthcare sector and better , people are able to live longer and contribute to the economic progress of a nation more, compared to the past. Some see this as an entirely positive development, while others point out the drawbacks of working beyond the retirement age.

Delaying retirement enables individuals to actively contribute to the society. On a personal level, working past retirement age provides an avenue for individuals to remain not only physically but also mentally active. Moreover, this option empowers the ageing population to be financially independent and economically self-sustainable past retirement age. In countries with growing ageing population such as Singapore, for instance, citizens are given an option to work beyond their retirement age based on the demands of their job and their capability to handle these tasks. Hence, working beyond retirement age empowers workers, ensures economic progression of the nation, and alleviates the challenges faced by an ageing population.

On the flip side, working beyond the retirement age may result in adverse health impacts on workers and a decrease in productivity levels. In Japan, the suicide rates have recently been increasing due to rising stress levels at work faced by the ageing population who are pushed to work beyond their optimal capacity. Escalating stress levels from work to various health complications putting a strain on the healthcare system. Hence, working beyond retirement age may worsen the overall welfare of individuals and adversely impact the economy.

To sum up, though working beyond retirement age health hazards leading to reduction in productivity levels, it seems to me that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. In my opinion, by assessing the capability of individuals and tailoring their jobs to their health profile, firms and companies should actively involve their workers to be productive beyond their retirement age.

This essay is an excellent example of IELTS Band 8 writing. The author presents sound arguments making his/her point of view very clear, examples are being used to support the writer’s points and the organisation of information is handled very well. There are some minor inaccuracies, however, they wouldn’t affect the score much in the real test. Well done!

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America is debating whether to raise the retirement age—but boomers are already working well into their sixties and seventies

Coworkers in discussion at conference table in office

Baby boomers, a large and influential cohort that was only recently surpassed by millennials in terms of size , started retiring in 2011. They started working around 1962, and a lot has changed since then.

As baby boomers reach what was traditionally considered retirement age, they’re encountering a landscape transformed by economic, health, and societal shifts. This generation now faces retirement decisions influenced not only by personal desires but also by those very shifts.

That’s not to say that the “elder statesmen” of today’s generational landscape are simply passive subjects to these changes. Boomers are increasingly reconsidering what retirement means , and more importantly, what it could mean.

Instead of viewing retirement as the end of active engagement, many seek opportunities to remain productive , whether that’s through continued employment, various investment opportunities , or unconventional retirement lifestyles.

These are significant changes, and they won’t be limited in scope to boomers. What’s becoming the new normal now will have deep, far-reaching consequences on Gen X, millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha.

The new retirement age

Pew Research Center data illustrates a significant increase in the percentage of Americans over 65 who are still employed, nearly doubling in the past 35 years . This shift reflects broader economic and social changes, including the erosion of traditional pension plans and the rising cost of living , which compel many to extend their careers.

Even though the U.S. government states that the current full retirement age is 67, the real situation is a tad bit different. There have been various attempts to raise the full retirement age up to 70 . This isn’t solely a U.S.-centric topic. Similar proposals are receiving attention from other developed economies such as the U.K., indicating a much farther-reaching issue. There is an additional consideration: Even if the retirement age is not raised, boomers will likely continue to be employed in some capacity even beyond age 70.

Additionally, the desire to remain mentally and socially active contributes to this trend, challenging outdated notions of retirement as a period of decline. Boomers are actively seeking roles that allow them to leverage their decades of experience while still offering flexibility and fulfillment.

Financial realities and shifts in benefits

The need for financial security drives many boomers to work longer, maximizing their earnings potential and ensuring a more stable financial foundation before they reach the new retirement age.

The shift from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s marked a significant transformation that placed greater responsibility on individuals to manage their retirement savings, navigate the uncertainties of the stock market, and plan for a future that, at the time, implied decades of post-retirement life.

Another important point to make is that retirement benefits aren’t set in stone. While Social Security and similar programs such as Medicare will see increases in the short term , there are two key considerations here: These increases are in no way a match for the cost-of-living increases we’ve seen over the past few years, and significant political pressure exists within the landscape of U.S politics to cut down or even do away with these benefits .

As they adapt to these new financial realities, boomers are becoming increasingly proactive in seeking information and resources to make informed decisions about their retirement savings and investments. Perhaps surprisingly, 46.9% of boomers trust generative AI enough to ask it for financial advice, with a whopping 90% willing to use online tools for property purchases —both points forming a salient point against the cliché that boomers are necessarily tech-averse.

The challenges facing retired boomers

Retired boomers face a range of challenges, from economic hardships exacerbated by the 2008 financial crisis to difficulties reentering a job market that often favors younger workers.

The doubling of housing prices between 1998 and 2021 , as well as the lack of adequate savings, has left some struggling to secure a stable financial future.

Additionally, ageism in the workforce and the rapid pace of technological change present barriers to employment, underscoring the need for targeted support and policies to help older workers remain competitive and financially secure.

Organizations and policymakers are thus challenged to create environments that not only respect but also capitalize on the vast experience and wisdom that older workers bring to the table.

Redefining retirement for the 21st century

The baby boomer generation is at the forefront of redefining retirement, blending financial pragmatism with a quest for meaningful engagement. Merely by challenging traditional retirement norms and exploring new lifestyles, boomers are setting new precedents for aging and work.

This shift requires not only individual adaptability but also societal support to address the unique challenges and opportunities of retirement today. Whether it’s alternative work arrangements, unorthodox lifestyles , or harnessing the power of AI, the boomers of the 2020s are faced with a multitude of trials and tribulations, but at the same time, they have copious tools and aids at their disposal.

Tim Fries is a financial analyst, writer, and cofounder of The Tokenist, a digital platform that covers news, insights, and analysis related to cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and financial markets.

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IELTS Sample Essay 6 – Older People Working

In some countries older people are being encouraged to work longer and not to retire. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working beyond retirement age.

Most people choose to retire after reaching the age of sixty five. Benefits drawn from company pensions and government funding are some driving factors behind their decision. Although people in some countries encourage their senior citizens to lead a peaceful retired life, others differ in opinion and believe that their aged compatriots must keep working for as long as they can. Working beyond the retirement age has its pros and cons, which will be analyzed before drawing a reasoned conclusion.

For one, it is said that retirement is destructive and old people must keep their body and mind active by engaging in some constructive work. The governments of many nations support employment initiatives for their aged citizens. For example, Walmart in USA employs people over sixty. They are assigned jobs which suit their capabilities. Thus, working after retirement gives senior people an opportunity to socialize, be involved with their communities and earn some money.

Conversely, people in some nations strongly oppose the idea of employing aged citizens. For instance, Indians do not like to burden their old family members with stressful responsibilities. This is because working after a certain age compromises with the physical well- being of a person. Therefore, aged people must be encouraged to enjoy their golden age and lead a stress free life.

After analyzing these two stances, it can be recommended that senior citizens must be given the freedom to work if they are keen on pursuing jobs that suit them. The decision must be left entirely to their discretion, albeit with their doctor’s approval.

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Band 8.5 Essay Sample About Fixed Retirement Age

by Manjusha Nambiar · October 10, 2017

Some people think that having a set retirement age (eg : 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age.

Do you agree or disagree? Which types of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Band 8.5 IELTS Essay Sample

It is often argued that having a fixed retirement age for all working people is not fair. I agree with this view. In this essay I will explain why different jobs require a different retirement age and also state who would benefit from early retirement.

To begin with, it is unfair to treat all jobs alike. Interestingly, some jobs demand round the clock availability. On the other hand, others require just 5-6 hours a day for 5 days a week. This clearly indicates that the amount of effort and efficiency required is different for people working in different sectors. For instance, a bank official who deals primarily with cash exchange needs a lot of attention in the workplace. Any memory lapse or lack of concentration can cause huge losses to the bank. This could be due to old age or long working hours. So, in order to do work efficiently and properly, such people can take retirement early and get their pension.

There is also a set of people who because of their jobs spend a lot of time away from home and their family. A typical example of this is defense personnel who sometimes spend years away from home to guard the borders of the nation. It is the unique nature of their job profile that demands them to do so. Such workers should also be allowed to retire early. They spent their time with utmost dedication and care for their professions. When they are in their late forties or early fifties they should be allowed to spend time with their family and take care of themselves and their near and dear ones with their pension.

To conclude, jobs in sectors like banking, army, aviation and engineering demand high efficiency and attention. Therefore, people working in these and similar sectors should be allowed to take early retirement.

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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This Is the Most Popular Age to Take Social Security -- and the Average Benefit Among Retirees

S ocial Security is integral for millions of older adults. Roughly 60% of current retirees say their benefits are a major source of income, according to a 2023 poll from Gallup, and around 90% of adults rely on Social Security to some degree in retirement.

The age you claim will have a major impact on your benefit amount, potentially affecting your checks by hundreds of dollars per month. You can begin claiming as early as age 62, or you can hold out up to age 70 to receive larger monthly payments.

When to start taking Social Security is a highly personal decision, and there's no single correct age to file. That said, it can still be helpful to see when most people begin claiming -- as well as the average benefit at various ages.

The most popular age to take Social Security

Before you decide on an age to file for benefits, it's important to know exactly how that choice will affect your payments. The first number you'll need to know is your full retirement age (FRA), which is the age at which you'll receive 100% of the benefit you're entitled to based on your work history.

The earlier you file before your FRA, the less you'll receive each month. If you have an FRA of 67 years old and file as early as possible at age 62, your benefits will be permanently reduced by 30% per month. By delaying benefits until age 70, though, you'll receive a bonus of 24% or more each month, depending on your FRA.

So what's the most popular age to begin taking benefits? According to the Social Security Administration's most recent data, released in 2022, around 28% of men and 27% of women file at their FRA. Close behind that is age 62, with around 23% of men and roughly 25% of women filing at this age.

Delaying benefits as long as possible is a much less common choice, according to the data. Less than 10% of both men and women waited until age 70 or beyond to file.

Data source: Social Security Administration.

It can also be helpful to see how age affects the average benefit amount. While several factors will influence the size of your checks, such as the length of your career and your lifetime earnings, age will have a profound impact on the amount you receive.

According to the Social Security Administration's most recent data from December 2023, here's what the average retired worker receives by age:

Keep in mind that these are averages across both men and women. Men, on average, collect around $300 to $400 per month more than women across all ages, according to the Social Security Administration data.

When is the best time to begin claiming benefits?

Again, there's not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer as to when you should begin taking Social Security. There are advantages to both claiming early and delaying, and the right choice for you will depend on your situation.

If your primary goal is to maximize your monthly income, delaying until age 70 is often your best bet. The average retiree collects around $740 more per month at age 70 compared to 62, which can make a life-changing difference if your savings are falling short.

But finances are only one part of the equation. If early retirement is your main goal and you're willing to sacrifice some monthly income to make that happen, claiming sooner could be a smart move.

Filing early can also be a good idea if you're battling health issues or have reason to believe you may not live well into your 70s or beyond. You'll still receive smaller checks each month, but you could potentially collect more in total than if you were to delay benefits.

Choosing when to take Social Security is a personal decision that will depend on your unique circumstances, but it can still be helpful to see how your choice compares to the average retiree's. By understanding how your age affects your benefits, you can make the best decision for your retirement.

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This Is the Most Popular Age to Take Social Security -- and the Average Benefit Among Retirees

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Retirement Age: When?

The situation concerning the retirement age is very different in different parts of the world. Some people at the age of 70 or 80 are still in working process, they are taking care of their families, countries and business companies. The situation with the other people is different. They are fit and have good health but, in accordance with the national law regulations they have to retire much earlier . Below I’d like to discuss the dilemma concerning whether people have to have the right to work as many years as they want OR they should be retired at the fixed age .

First of all we will talk about those people who would like to work as long as they need. There are actually several forcible arguments which to satisfy their needs. To begin with, it is necessary to say that there are older employers who possess profound knowledge and rich experience which is precious for the business process and it will be a huge loss if such people will be forced to retire. The other good point if that the older employers are more loyal and they have more willing to put company policies into practice in contrast to the younger employers . One of the most important things about the retirement of older people is the way our society treats them. The thing is that once you made someone to retire at the age of 60 or 65 , it means you do not value the contribution of these people into the life of the society.

However, to allow people to work as long as they need is not always that good. Age cannot guarantee good abilities. For example, some younger employers may have much more experience and cleverness than the older people who have spent almost the whole their life working in one and the same are. The other point is that many people having an opportunity to work as long as they are willing to will continue to work because they simply didn’t plan anything else for their life. Thus, company won’t be provided with new ideas that young employers can offer . One more point lies in the fact that older people need to be provided with the guarantee of generous pensions in order to have an opportunity to enjoy the freedom they got.

Nowadays there is…

Why the Alcoholic Drinking Age Should Be Decreased?

The general idea behind the raising of alcoholic drinking age is that it protects young people who are still incapable of accepting responsibilities, from the abuse of alcohol. It is, however, very doubtful whether it performs this function. The matter is, the more something is prohibited, the more appealing it looks for those who are…

A Research Paper on How Racial Disparities Influence US Criminal Justice System

Introduction Although the US legal system is based on equal outcomes for equal offenses, racial disparity has emerged as a harsh reality, affecting the idea of the national strategy on gender equity and equality (Hetey & Eberhardt, 2018). Having a long and deep racialized history, the US criminal justice system is accused of discriminatory applications…

Worst Social Nightmare

When I was little, I often had nightmares about monsters. I used to wake up at night and call my dad who was supposed to frighten them away. Once I asked him if he had ever had bad dreams, my father answered that he often had a nightmare about losing his job. I was puzzled:…

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Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age. Do you agree or disagree? Which types of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Sentence 1 - Background statement
Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
Sentence 3 - Thesis
Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
Sentence 2 - Example
Sentence 3 - Discussion
Sentence 4 - Conclusion
Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
Sentence 1 - Summary
Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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Global warming is one of the various climate issues. Discuss the possible causes ad offer measures to control the damage caused.

Some people think that robots are very important for humans’ future development. others, however, think that robots are a dangerous invention that could have negative effects on society. discuss both views and give your own opinion, in some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. what are the reasons for this how can people research this, some people think the qualities a person needs to become successful in today's world cannot be learned at a university or similar academic institution.to what extent do you agree or disagree , genetic engineering is an important issue in society today. some people think that it will improve people’s lives in many ways. others feel that it may be a threat to life on earth. discuss both these views and give your own opinion..

America's new age of retirement anxiety

Why saving for retirement has never felt scarier — or more confusing

The way retirement is supposed to work in America is something like this: You work hard and play hard (within reason) until you're 65. Then you get to collect Social Security, on top of drawing from the nest egg you've built up over your career. Free from the shackles of a 9-to-5, you can finally do all the things you've been waiting for: spend time with your grandkids, travel across the country in an RV , and hop on a cruise ship (if you dare) . But to a lot of people, this story increasingly feels like a fairy tale that's out of reach.

Instead of a golden sunset to look forward to, retirement has become anxiety-inducing for many people — and not just because of the get-old-and-die thing that comes at the end. Millions of Americans are worried they won't be able to retire in the way they'd like, and they're afraid they'll run out of money once they stop working. In a Gallup poll last year, 43% of non-retirees said they thought they'd have enough money to live comfortably once they're ready to hang up their proverbial aprons, and 71% said they were at least moderately worried about being able to pay for their retirement. (It is worth noting that current retirees, as in boomers, feel a lot better about the whole deal.) In a recent CNBC survey, over half of respondents in the US said they thought they were behind on saving and planning for retirement.

The pessimism is understandable: People estimate they need about $1.5 million to live as they want to in retirement , but only a small fraction of savers actually have that amount stashed away. Teresa Ghilarducci, a labor economist at The New School and the author of "Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy," told me that given these expectations, the anxiety is well founded.

"There's nothing irrational about being nervous that you won't have enough money to live on to last your whole life, because most people do not have enough money to last their whole life and maintain their standard of living in retirement," she said.

The burden of saving for retirement — and the anxiety that comes with it — is a fairly new phenomenon. Until the 1980s, American workers generally received money in retirement via defined-benefit plans, such as pensions, where their employers paid them a set amount depending on how long they'd worked at the company and how much money they'd made. Over the past 40 years, however, the approach has changed. Workers have shifted to defined-contribution plans, like 401(k)s and IRAs, where they (and, perhaps, their employers) kick into a fund that's usually invested to help them save up for older age.

There's nothing irrational about being nervous that you won't have enough money to live on to last your whole life.

That system puts the impetus on individual employees to decide how much to save and how to invest it. In his 2024 letter to investors , BlackRock CEO Larry Fink addressed the conundrum. While much of society is focused on helping people live longer lives, he said, there's not much focus on helping them afford those longer lives. The move from pensions to 401(k)s for millions of workers represents an "impossible math problem," he wrote, because it's so hard for people to decipher how much money they'll need and how fast they'll spend it.

"Put simply," Fink wrote, "the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution has been, for most people, a shift from financial certainty to financial uncertainty."

The new system also allows people to dip into their retirement piles if need be — which can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, that money can act as a lifesaver in a preretirement emergency. On the other, dipping into it may mean running out of money down the line.

"It's probably not a great idea to let people draw on their retirement assets before they reach retirement age, but if you don't let people do that, they're not as likely to contribute to a 401(k) plan in the first place," said Norman Stein, a professor emeritus of law at Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law. "We have basically a savings system with a reasonably strong orientation toward retirement."

Chris Woods, a financial advisor who founded Silvis Financial, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, told me that all this uncertainty is often the reason clients wind up in his office. They're not only worried about having enough money to support themselves in retirement but concerned about all the other financial curveballs life may throw at them in their golden years: what their medical costs might be, whether their children might need help , whether they might get divorced, where they want to live . The overarching theme is having enough money to retire, he said, "and then subsets of that that are unique to families based on health, family, even location and things like that."

There is also a level of doomerism around how the federal government will financially support its citizens in the future as they reach old age. The Social Security trust fund is expected to run out of money in about a decade, and Republicans often talk about making changes and cuts to the program . The GOP sometimes makes noise about scaling back Medicare , the government-administered health-insurance program, too. Regardless of one's political stripes, Social Security and Medicare are enormous government expenses, and given concerns about the country's debt and deficit, it's hard not to wonder whether those programs will remain untouched.

It's not likely that Social Security will just dry up — Congress could increase the retirement age or up the funding for the program. But it's impossible to know whether it will be intact by the time many young people reach retirement. Of course, it could, at least in theory, get better.

"The big debate shouldn't be on cutting benefits," Stein said. "It should be on how we preserve and improve the current system."

It's not just the financials of retirement that are scary. There's a significant emotional weight to it, too. Riley Moynes, a retired educator who wrote the book "The Four Phases of Retirement: What to Expect When You're Retiring," said that for many people, the first year or so of retiring is exciting. They're free from work; they have time to relax and get moving on plans. But that soon shifts. People begin to feel lost. They need to make a conscious effort to reinvent themselves and find a purpose.

"Most of retirement planning has been focused on investments. It's been focused on wills, powers of attorney, and all of that kind of stuff — critically important," he said. "But for the most part, the psychological changes and challenges that people are going to experience, absolutely, are virtually overlooked."

There are so many unknowns that come with retirement: how one will feel emotionally, how they'll feel physically. Money isn't the be-all and end-all, but it's a big part of it. The unknown is unnerving in any circumstance , especially one where the end game is being able to pay for your life until you die — and, if you're lucky, leave some money behind for your family .

The best time to start saving, for many people, was when they were in their teens. The second-best time is now.

Before I started reporting this story, I didn't realize just how freaked out I was by retirement. But after losing some sleep over my financial future, I asked the experts for advice on what to do to assuage my newfound (or at least newly examined) anxiety.

Ghilarducci, the labor economist, said it's important to pay attention to your spending and saving. If you're starting early, in your 20s, you don't have to stash away as much of your income as you do if you're starting later. Invest the money, and make sure the person or entity you're entrusting to oversee that investment is looking out for you. Be careful of conflicted and bad advice. And then there's the democracy aspect.

"You're a voter, and the most important thing you need to know is Social Security and Medicare are the most important sources of income and wealth in retirement," she said. "That means the federal government is the most important financial partner you have."

And listen, if you feel behind, it's not the end of the world . Or maybe it is, but there are concrete steps you can take to try to get on more solid footing.

"It's never too late," Woods said. "The best time to start saving, for many people, was when they were in their teens. The second-best time is now."

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

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Through our Discourse journalism, Business Insider seeks to explore and illuminate the day’s most fascinating issues and ideas. Our writers provide thought-provoking perspectives, informed by analysis, reporting, and expertise. Read more Discourse stories here .

Tell Us Your Stories About Retirement

If you’ve reinvented your life after retiring from a career, we want to hear how it’s going and any advice you have for others.

An older couple walks down a street with their arms around each other. One person has a bag and the other has a backpack.

By The New York Times

Have you retired? Or at least left your full-time, traditional job and embarked on a new chapter? For a special section on retirement and longevity to be published in June, The New York Times wants to hear from readers who have reinvented their lives after jobs or careers.

Retirement can take on many different forms depending on a variety of factors. Maybe you moved. Maybe you started exercising. Maybe you started a new hobby or pursued a fresh passion for pay. We want to hear from people who used retirement as an opportunity to chart a new path.

Here are some prompts to help you tell your story:

What challenges did you have to overcome as you entered this phase — and how did you do it?

What joys — or disappointments — have you derived from this chapter that surprised you?

If you were making the move all over again, what would you change? And what advice do you have for others contemplating it: financial, emotional, social or lifestyle?

We would love your thoughts (in, say, 200 words or less). We will not publish any part of your submission without contacting you first. We will not share your contact information outside the Times newsroom, and we will use it only to reach out to you.

Life After Retirement

Let us help you plan for retirement, the good news is that we’re living longer. the bad news is you need to save for all those future retirement years. we’re here to help..

For a growing number of older Americans, signing up for a mortgage that is most likely to outlive them makes good economic sense. But there are risks to consider .

If you’re on Medicare, you could save money on prescription drugs this year — in many cases, by thousands of dollars. Here’s why .

Entering your 40s can throw you into an emotional tailspin — one that may lead you to spend more and jeopardize your nest egg. Here is how to avoid that .

It’s difficult to know when to get help managing finances after you retire . Communicating with loved ones, even when you don’t want to, is the first step.

These days, many Americans thinking about retiring feel the stakes are higher than ever. We sought the advice of financial planners on some of the most pressing questions.

Retirement plan administrators are noting an uptick in 401(k) hardship withdrawals . But taking that money out can harm your future financial security.

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Retirement Age Argumentative Essays Samples For Students

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WowEssays.com paper writer service proudly presents to you a free database of Retirement Age Argumentative Essays designed to help struggling students deal with their writing challenges. In a practical sense, each Retirement Age Argumentative Essay sample presented here may be a pilot that walks you through the important stages of the writing procedure and showcases how to develop an academic work that hits the mark. Besides, if you require more visionary help, these examples could give you a nudge toward an original Retirement Age Argumentative Essay topic or encourage a novice approach to a banal theme.

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Private Social Security System Argumentative Essay Samples

Introduction, age discrimination in the workplace essay.

Ageism was spotted in 1866 and it is seen today with multiple stereotypes and prejudice of the elderly and it is especially observed in the workplace. Our aged population with limited income, yet bearers of a number of bills, including rising cost in utilities, medical care, and medications are faced with the stress and suffering of age discrimination in the workforce. This paper will review the history of age discrimination and discuss cases in which employees favor the young and terminate the old.

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Social Security

Starting your retirement benefits early ( en español ).

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age .

To find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you begin receiving benefits from age 62 up to your full retirement age, use the chart below and select your year of birth. This example is based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age.

Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth

Before you make your decision.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit will be reduced. Each person's situation is different. It is important to remember:

If you delay your benefits until after full retirement age, you will be eligible for delayed retirement credits that would increase your monthly benefit.
That there are other things to consider when making the decision about when to begin receiving your retirement benefits.

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COMMENTS

Retirement Essay
7. Deposit money into an Individual Retirement Account, IRAs can offer a stress-free way to save, they're able to set it up to where a certain amount is automatically taken from either a checking or savings account, and that amount is then deposited in the IRA. 9. Find out Social Security Benefits.
79 Retirement Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Dream Job in Business and Retirement Scenario. After graduation, I hope to succeed in the finance and gain the required portion of experience in the U.S.to come back home and join the family business started by my grandfather. We will write. a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts.
IELTS essay: Should retirement age be increased?
Essay topic. Workers should retire at the age of 60 or 65. However, some people say that the retirement age should be increased and workers should be allowed to work as long as they want. Discuss. Sample response. Employees dread the word retirement and that is hardly surprising. When they retire they lose a regular source of income.
What I Learned Living In a Retirement Community at Age 30
This ruffled some feathers since I was clearly under 55, the minimum age requirement for residents, but there were just as many people who were excited to see a young person hanging around. I ...
Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: 'Time Is on Our Side'
If you save at least $12,000 per year from the age of 21 and get just a modest 5% return on your invested savings, then you will have more than $2 million saved in your retirement account by the time you're 67. It's all about planning for your financial security - and a well-deserved trip or two to Hawaii.
PDF Work and the Retirement Journey
The Society of Actuaries' (SOA) Committee on Post Retirement Needs and Risks issued this call for essays, Work and the Retirement Journey, in July 2020. Previous essay collections from the Committee addressed a ... people who worked past age 65 were about three times more likely to report being in good health and about half as likely to have ...
PDF Redefining the Goal of Retirement Planning
The Society of Actuaries' (SOA) Committee on Post Retirement Needs and Risks issued this call for essays, Redefining the Goals of Retirement Planning, in May 2020. Previous essay collections addressed a variety of issues including diverse risks encountered in retirement; developments in financial wellness; perspectives and potential solutions ...
Retirement Essay
Retirement Essay; Retirement Essay. Sort By: Page 1 of 50 - About 500 essays. Decent Essays. Benefits Of Retirement Planning For Retirement. 917 Words; 4 Pages; Benefits Of Retirement Planning For Retirement ... Introduction Approaching the traditional age of retirement, the baby boom generation strikes the time to retire and the number of ...
The Economics of Rising the Retirement Age Essay
These governments have reacted swiftly and are proposing to increase the retirement age. Ironically, the retirement age is currently at 63, which is one year lower that the 1970s. This means that the governments see the need to raise age of retirement as the best means to keep the cost of pension affordable.
Can I retire now? Older people are working longer. It's good, actually
So, while 63% of non-retired workers under the age of 34 look forward to a full retirement, that figure drops to 59% among those ages 35 to 54 and then plummets to 36% for those 55 and older ...
Task 2 Essay: Retirement Age (NEW)
Band 8+ Sample Answer: (Intro) One school of thought holds the belief that we should raise the voluntary age of retirement and therefore give older people the freedom to continue their work as long as they desire. I completely agree with this statement for the sake of the economy and well-being. (Body 1) Firstly, if large swathes of employees ...
IELTS essay, topic: People should not work beyond the retirement age
In my opinion, by assessing the capability of individuals and tailoring their jobs to their health profile, firms and companies should actively involve their workers to be productive beyond their retirement age. This essay is an excellent example of IELTS Band 8 writing. The author presents sound arguments making his/her point of view very ...
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Raising The Retirement Age
After increasing the retirement age based on birth year a dozen times for those born between the years of 1937 and 1960, the retirement age has remained the same for anyone born since 1960.
America is debating whether to raise the retirement age-but ...
The new retirement age. Pew Research Center data illustrates a significant increase in the percentage of Americans over 65 who are still employed, nearly doubling in the past 35 years.This shift ...
Raising the Retirement Age Essay
The average life expectancy has risen significantly since Social Security first started. Raising the age of retirement because life expectancy has risen will benefit not only the social security system, a person's health and well-being as well as future generations. "Americans are living longer and are having fewer children.
Essays on Well-Being, Old-Age Pensions, and Health
In the first essay, I evaluate the effect of social security privatization on survival. Using initial fund selection as an instrumental variable for pension wealth at legal retirement age, I find that increases in pension wealth reduce old age mortality and lead to large differences in life expectancy across income quintiles.
Sample IELTS Essay 6
IELTS Sample Essay 6 - Older People Working. In some countries older people are being encouraged to work longer and not to retire. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working beyond retirement age. Most people choose to retire after reaching the age of sixty five. Benefits drawn from company pensions and government funding are some ...
Band 8.5 Essay Sample About Fixed Retirement Age
Band 8.5 IELTS Essay Sample. It is often argued that having a fixed retirement age for all working people is not fair. I agree with this view. In this essay I will explain why different jobs require a different retirement age and also state who would benefit from early retirement. To begin with, it is unfair to treat all jobs alike.
This Is the Most Popular Age to Take Social Security
According to the Social Security Administration's most recent data, released in 2022, around 28% of men and 27% of women file at their FRA. Close behind that is age 62, with around 23% of men and ...
What Are The Effects Of New Retirement Age Sociology Essay
As much as 37 per cent of men and women between the ages of 60 to 65 still are economically active in the labour force (C.T.Lai & Comeau, 2012). On the other hand, the new retirement age policy not only extends the age of retirement but in bigger scope will eventually lead to the problem of unemployment among youth.
Argumentative Essay on Retirement Age
Type of paper: Essays Subject: Sociology Words: 387. The situation concerning the retirement age is very different in different parts of the world. Some people at the age of 70 or 80 are still in working process, they are taking care of their families, countries and business companies. The situation with the other people is different.
Some people think that having a set retirement age (e
Some people think that having a set retirement age (e - IELTS Writing Essay Sample. IELTS Writing Correction Service /. Writing Samples /. Band 6.5. Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at ...
Retirement Age Argumentative Analysis
Retirement Age Argumentative Analysis. The retirement age is one of the most controversial topics. Indeed, it is the point where a person stops working completely, and Germany was the first country that announced the retirement system. It is a hard condition or position for old people, when they are forced to retire because of national ...
America's new age of retirement anxiety
Emily Stewart. Apr 9, 2024, 2:27 AM PDT. The way retirement is supposed to work in America is something like this: You work hard and play hard (within reason) until you're 65. Then you get to ...
Tell Us Your Stories About Retirement
Communicating with loved ones, even when you don't want to, is the first step. These days, many Americans thinking about retiring feel the stakes are higher than ever. We sought the advice of ...
Retirement Age Argumentative Essay Examples That Really Inspire
WowEssays.com paper writer service proudly presents to you a free database of Retirement Age Argumentative Essays designed to help struggling students deal with their writing challenges. In a practical sense, each Retirement Age Argumentative Essay sample presented here may be a pilot that walks you through the important stages of the writing procedure and showcases how to develop an academic ...
Normal retirement age (NRA)
The normal retirement age (NRA) is the age at which retirement benefits (before rounding) are equal to the "primary insurance amount." The table below shows how NRA varies by year of birth for retirees. Normal Retirement Age; Year of birth Age; 1937 and prior: 65: 1938: 65 and 2 months: 1939: 65 and 4 months: 1940: 65 and 6 months ...
Benefits Planner: Retirement
Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth. Year of Birth 1. Full (normal) Retirement Age. Months between age 62 and full retirement age 2. At Age 62 3. A $1000 retirement benefit would be reduced to. The retirement benefit is reduced by 4. A $500 spouse's benefit would be reduced to.

I turned 30 and moved into a retirement community for 2 years. Here’s what I learned

5 p.m. is too early to eat dinner

Doctors are your friend

Don’t wait to be retired to do all the things retired people do

You don’t have to have it all together to feel like you have it all

Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: ‘Time Is on Our Side’

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When should I retire? It may be much later in life than you think.

The way we view retirement is changing

Older people are working longer. Corporate America, take note.

Task 2 Essay: Retirement Age (NEW)

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America is debating whether to raise the retirement age—but boomers are already working well into their sixties and seventies

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This Is the Most Popular Age to Take Social Security -- and the Average Benefit Among Retirees

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