From Bigmouth: How did you get to where you are today? Due to seniority, or due to superior skills, experience, training and/or luck? If the latter, then stay where you are as long as you want. If due to the former, then hold up your end of the deal and make way for the next guy.
All of the above. I did retire from the airline at 60, and in part, left the job to a guy who couldn't enter a hold to save his soul. There were many better than him, though.
I was chosen in my current status for my reputation and experience. Age was immaterial. Should I still walk away, telling them they need to hire a younger guy with more mouths to feed than me? If I did, I wouldn't be contributing to my own luck. Do other professions have forced retirement for the same reason?
My point was that age doesn't matter. What matters is individual ability. Isn't that one reason we take periodic checkrides? If the sole reason for leaving is to make room for the young guys, then there is something seriously wrong with the system.
For those who I say I might have alimony, kids, too many bills, etc...that isn't the case. I have actually managed my life well (with a bit of luck), so why pay a penalty now if it is all still working?
I was forced to walk away once. I don't need to do it again. Besides, I'd personally rather earn the position fairly than take it away from someone in a socialistic manner.