Originally Posted by
BEA 71
If you tell this story a - non airline - European, he/she would shake his/her head in disbelief. I know, Americans have a completely different view on this subject. Lets face it - the old lady takes jobs away from younger people, who might never have the opportunity to reach a senior position. Or work on a financially attractive tour, because a senior has claimed it for herself. I think there is a lot of greed and selfishness in the game. If she loves flying so much, why didnīt she retire at, lets say, 65, and take advantage of her travel privileges, of which there will be many. I have always loved my job, but knew when to finish. I am 75 now and retired relatively early. Exept for my airside pass, I
lost nothing. The old lady has gone a step too far, may be lost her sense for reality.
Probably most people in the US over 65 would love the option of retiring. Unless you have a pension or stock, retiring in Europe is a rather more pleasant occupation than retiring in the United States. It is not a matter of selfishness, it is a matter of being able to eat and afford healthcare (Medicare is not all that it is cracked up to be.) It is rather shocking to see very old people working as "greeters" at our big box stores, sometimes in their wheelchairs or scooters. (It is thought to deter shoplifting.) If they are more mobile, they are stacking boxes. Really, it is a charming country.