As an elder, I’d add that there are conflicting forces, which have not affected all of us equally. For many, the accelerating pace of technologic change and the increase in population has diminished our value as “sages.” On the other hand, the prolongation of healthy life has extended our capacity for productive work.

I am working full time in my own business and have as much energy as most many years younger than I am. Having been accused of having a quick mind, it is fun to listen to twenty-somethings complain about their inability to recall things (I also have experienced this, as well) and, as opposed to old age, they complain that their “disk” is full.

Given my experience with people much younger who seem to be much older, I would say that “retirement” is an individual thing. If we start to practice one-to-one assessment with the same effort we use in one-to-one marketing, then age becomes irrelevant.

For those who view their work as drudgery, I empathize with them, but would suggest that they do something closer to what they would like to do. I changed “careers” four times in my life and I am probably not done yet.

In the social age we think compassionately and strive to create a legal and social framework for those who are less fortunate during different cycles of life (children, families, adults with disabilities, elderly). We protect those who choose to retire, as well as those who due to different geriatric diseases are unable to make this decision for themselves (Alzheimer, dementia, etc just some of them). In some cases older people will relinquish driving licences. Despite best intentions they are a danger to themselves and others on the road.

A society that emphasizes work and efficiency as norms to live by creates monsters. In Japan where work is such an important part of one’s identity no one would take full vacations– it would go against society’s expectations. In Tokyo I have seen workers crawling back home past midnight, dizzy with work and alcohol, just to begin again the next morning early. The implications on family and health are dire.

A compassionate society creates an exit ritual, (retirement) and possibilities (medical, social security) to embrace the needs of those who choose not to work. The rules we create are made to protect the millions who cannot and would not work. Very few consider work ‘essence’ and not labour. I imagine that someone who is over 70 and has enjoyed his/her ‘work’, has developed by retirement time varied interests and does not depend on one particular corporation to feed his/her need for purpose and sense of self. We hope that one has developed interests that now can be pursued, travels, and family, or hobbies, philanthropy, or movies, or pondering the mysteries of life.
The movie the ‘Bucket’ a comedy perhaps, is also seriusly discussing “all that is left undone” before one’s death.

In the social age we do honor our elders and they are wise enough to understand that life is made of cycles. The last cycle is that of “the sage” — the one who gives back to the world what one has learned during a life time of work. I make the distinction between work/ giving back because ‘work’ requires in most cases a focus on efficiency, revenue and good team work, while ‘giving back’ may take many forms, and does not necessarily create revenue for others. In the end, it seems to me, that during the last cycle, that of the “sage,” all the emphasis on doing and working, is also running away is fear to accept death as the next step, the reintegration into nature and the universe.