The main political parties continue to boast about the cuts in public spending they want to make. These cuts will of course impact on the poor.
The raising of the pension age is one that will affect everyone. The argument is that "we are all living longer" and the 'economy' just can't afford it.
It is worth questioning the notion that we are 'all' living longer. In this country alone, thousands of people every year die of heart disease, cancer and strokes. Despite wonderful advances in medicine, the tragedy of an early death in the family is still not at all uncommon. I myself have lost a number of friends and colleagues over the last ten years.
Perhaps news of a medical breakthrough that can prevent and/or cure some of these fatal illnesses would justify discussion of raising the pension age.
If the economy 'can't afford' to provide people with a long retirement, then life may only consist of toil for many. It may be the 'economy' that needs to change to ensure that hard working people have a long and comfortable retirement.
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