Calls have been made to abolish mandatory retirement at the age of 66.

Age Action Ireland, who pleaded their case before an Oireachtas committee today, say “people should retire at whatever age they choose” - in line with countries such as the US, Australia and Canada.

On The Hard Shoulder today, a report by Henry McKean found that people often choose to work longer for the structure and meaning it gives them in life.

One of these was Phil, an 80-year-old former HSE worker.

“I had to retire at 65 but I ended up working until I was 70 after reapplying and getting another five years,” she told Henry.

“I think if you are fit enough, work is stimulating for you and it gives you purpose.

“You get your week organised, your clothes organised, and you get up early in the morning – you have a good structure in your week.”

Reluctant

Clare Fitzsimons told Henry she was reluctant to retire.

“I didn’t really want to retire but I had trouble with my hips and I couldn’t [work],” she said.

“I was self-employed; I ran a dog grooming salon and I did it for 50-odd years.

“I started in 1960 and I retired in 2008, but I would have kept it on except physically I couldn’t do it.”

A retired couple on a beach. Image: MBI / Alamy Stock Photo

Friends of the Elderly’s fundraising manager Deborah Costello said it's her belief that people should choose when they retire.

“Just because you’re a certain age it doesn’t mean you should lose that choice – you should have the dignity to make your own decision,” she said.

“We work and promote people having their own independence, dignity, and respect – we advocate for positive aging.

“What better way to advocate for positive aging than for people to have their own choice when it comes to retirement age.”

People have the option to work until they are 70 under pension changes announced last year.

If someone chooses to work until then, and not retire at 66, they will receive an adjusted higher State pension rate when they do retire.

Main image: Three retired women sit on a bench. Image: Cum Okolo / Alamy Stock Photo