I guess I was thinking that retirement is the result of having a "deferred
youth" from earlier years. In other words - you never had a youth in the
first place, or didnt take full advantage of it.
The logic? It seems to me that many young people act older than they
really are. They get onto the career ladder; they quickly assume many of
the trappings, responsibilities and debts of the adult world. And before
they know it, they don't feel able to act like a youth should/could -
carefree, eager to learn etc etc.
Then - in retirement - so many people seem to rediscover their youth (or
experience it for the first time). Just take a look at an edition of Saga
Magazine, or visit the University of the Third Age website and you'll get
my drift.
As a character in an Alan Bennett play once explained:
"Retirement - its a full time job"
Jim
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