A Caltech Nobel laureate celebrates his 100th birthday, then gets back to work

Post by whymauri » Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 1:49 AM UTC

foobiekr wrote: post #55

losteric wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The older folks typically also benefited from getting into housing when it was less scarce, riding one or more waves of progress, at a time where healthcare ROI was much higher. My generation faces a different economic situation. I know people in academia that love what they do and dreamed of living a life like Rudy's. In practice, they're stuck - huge debts, dismally low post-grad wages, stuck renting, just hoping f…

Not everything is about housing, in particular someone choosing to work to 100+ doesn't really have anything to do with housing.

Post by csomar » Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 1:55 AM UTC

paulryanrogers wrote: post #92

iamflimflam1 wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you’ve still got the energy, why not? I think the most important thing is are you enjoying it? Does it feel fulfilling? There’s a lot of pressure to conform to what’s expected of you and if you can ignore that you’ll probably be much happier than most people.

Because arguably it reduces demand for the next generation to do their thing. And if too many do it then it also becomes a necessity for more in the same age cohort to afford housing and transportation.

Post by mc32 » Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 2:02 AM UTC

incompatible wrote: post #107

leeoniya wrote: post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Budd : They say the number one killer of old people is retirement. People got a job to do, they tend to live a little longer so they can do it. I've always figured that warriors and their enemies share the same relationship. (Kill Bill: Vol 2)

By "retirement", people generally mean no longer working for money. That doesn't mean you can't find things to do.

Post by macintux » Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 2:38 AM UTC

paulryanrogers wrote: post #105

theptip wrote: post #103

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Pretty offensive to suggest that someone should “step aside for the next generation”. Personally I’d rather work for someone with more experience (all else being equal), but ultimately the best ideas and execution will win.

Not suggesting people go off and die, or be thrown off a cliff. Rather that they consider there are some downsides to society at large if they unnecessarily work late in life. FWIW, I was responding to the question "why not? [keep working]".

Post by paulryanrogers » Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 2:50 AM UTC

pedrosorio wrote: post #108

paulryanrogers wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not suggesting people go off and die, or be thrown off a cliff. Rather that they consider there are some downsides to society at large if they unnecessarily work late in life. FWIW, I was responding to the question "why not? [keep working]".

This seems like a counterintuitive idea. Older people helping to make more products/services is a downside to society at large? I would understand if “working” was a competition for limited resources. But if it is, in fact, a value generating activity, how does it harm society at large? e.g. Having more doctors work until later, if they are capable, is not a net positive for our society’s ability to provide healthcar…