FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The French are not happy with their government's plan to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62.
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More than a million people in 220 French cities took to the streets yesterday protesting - with strikers disrupting trains, planes, hospitals and mail delivery.
Yet French President Nicolas Sarkozy is vowing to push ahead with the overhaul of the country's pension system. You see, France and many other European countries have come to the realization that if they don't do something about their troubled fiscal situations now - they risk winding up in the same boat as Greece.
But don't tell that to the French union workers, who are a bit dramatic about the idea of working until 62.
One sign in Paris showed a raised middle finger with the following message: "Greetings from people who will die on the job."
The French government is telling them things could be worse. Other European countries are thinking about raising the retirement age to 67 or 68. And here in the U.S. the retirement age is gradually going up to 67.
Meanwhile as the French complain about working until 62, a growing number of Americans are working into their 90s and even 100s.
Experts on aging say a daily job can help alleviate boredom, improve physical health and provide older people with a schedule. Some of them are working to supplement their retirement savings or to give extra money for their families
AARP says by 2012 almost one-fifth of the workforce will be older than 55, and baby boomers will likely keep working beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.
Here’s my question to you: What’s the right age to retire?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Loren writes:
Retire whenever you can and whenever it feels right. Personally, I'm going to work as long as I can. Being active and having mental stimulation is essential to your personal well-being. I'd love to be working when I'm 100, because that'll mean I'm still alive.
Dave in Orlando, Florida writes:
The right age to retire is when you can afford it and when you want to. Unfortunately, a lot of us have no choice. Those who are lucky enough not to have been forced out of the workplace for the crime of getting old may not be able to retire at all for lack of money. But using the French as an example is a red herring. The French would complain if their retirement age was lowered to 30.
Olga in Austin, Texas writes:
You finally asked a question that is relevant to my life! There is no such thing as retiring anymore. There is no luxury in staying home and staring at the four walls. How boring is that? I did not retire at 65 or 68 or 70! I am still working and enjoying what I do.
Bruce in Rancho Mirage, California writes:
Hi Jack, From a retired old man who waited too long: Please have the sense to retire when one is still a whole person, both physically and mentally. But, do keep in mind you're going to need much more money than you think – so also be well-prepared!
Kevin in California writes:
According to the Republicans, that would be "never."
Frank in York, Pennsylvania writes:
Jack, I am 70 years old and I will let you know the ideal age to retire when I get there! I am on the job now so I can't talk long. Have a great day!
K. writes:
Retire when your income will be adequate to make you happy. That takes good planning and some luck. I made it out at 58.
Galen writes:
How old are you, Jack? We can start there.