[throwaway1979]

The article is trying to make a good point but it seems to be getting lost in some inner-conflict on the part of the writer. In asian countries, it is not uncommon for well to do families to employ a bunch of people for jobs that aren't strictly necessary. A strong part of the motivation for this is to provide a type of welfare. This is but one side of the coin. I know of a few older (post-70) individuals who are in reasonably good health but work "odd" jobs with low wages just to get the company of other people or to have a purpose in life. One 80+ individual just hung out at a garage and helped around. The "traditional" idea of playing golf/gardening in retirement are not as global as one might think. The fact that this company is continuing to pay their 99-year old custodian comes off as a good thing in my books.

[throwaway1979]

I want to relate the story of the doorman in my old Manhattan apartment. First off, my apartment had like 5 or 6 doormen that alternated in some weird schedule. The residents and the doormen had a very kind relationship. One of the older doormen went on for a few months about his retirement (he defn looked older than 65) and how he was going to miss us (residents). When he eventually left, about a month later there was a notice in the apartment that he had passed away. On one hand, that's life. On the other, back in the old country, I've seen people whither away once their purpose in life goes away. I know mentally that there are so many problems on this earth, so much help we can provide each other. So you can argue that a person can keep doing new, good things despite their age. But I think when you get to your 60s or 70s or whatever, you come to terms with it - with your own purpose in life. Time is cruel and the human body is frail. We should truly respect our elders.