Seniors and ‘Entitlement’

* Re “A Healthy Solution: Keep Working,” by Katherine Dowling, Commentary, Nov. 8:

Right on Dr. Dowling! Stick it to those greedy seniors who have the temerity to live beyond their productive years. But bear in mind that you may be knocking some of your own elderly relatives who, were it not for Social Security, might be forced to become a burden on their children. Most of the seniors that I know would be delighted to work as long as they are able to. Unfortunately, too many employers are firing older and more experienced employees, and hiring instead young, inexperienced, part-time people who are paid lower wages and given fewer benefits.

It’s true that older citizens consume a large share of the health care dollar, but savings can be made by “judicious” rationing of health services. For example: Persons who need cataract surgery can be issued a magnifying glass to read. Persons who require hip replacement surgery to walk can be issued a wheelchair. And maybe, just maybe, the health care industry will rein in the outrageous charges.

Yes, there are some abuses and unfairness in the Social Security system. However, Dowling’s tirade is irresponsible and poorly thought-out.

BEATRICE GATZEK

North Hollywood

* Dowling’s arrogance and simplistic solution to the complex issues of retirement and Social Security are amusing. “Consider yourself obligated to make a contribution to society.” Where are the studies that show “our seniors feel they deserve to be taken care of, that over 65 is play time” and that seniors have an “entitlement mentality”?

Most folks I know believe that life’s meaning is derived from work. Working affects their identity, self-esteem and feelings of competence. Get real, Dr. Dowling. Employers encourage early retirement with financial incentives. The media portray ridiculously dotty stereotypes, which negatively influence public perspectives and employment opportunity. We live in a society that values youth and demands that older people make way for the young.

I have yet to meet anyone who is looking forward to a reduced income, possible poverty, or being regarded as a “dragon” at society’s doorstep. Perhaps Dowling could benefit from taking a few classes in gerontology at her own illustrious USC’s Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center.

AUDREY TEMPLE

Rancho Palos Verdes

* Dowling’s commentary sheds some light on a problem, but her solutions don’t fly.

She says, “Volunteer and paid jobs are all over the place,” and says that seniors should stop feeling sorry for themselves and go back to work. If there were so many paid jobs out there that made sense, there wouldn’t be so many unemployed, particularly in Southern California.

As for volunteerism, seniors already have a good record. But beyond that, Social Security payments are unrelated to volunteerism, so that problem remains unaddressed.

One step toward a solution, which my newspaper has advocated, is to tie volunteerism to the creation of a national senior service system, whereby credits toward long-term care or similar benefits could be earned by volunteers. Some local agencies and communities here and across the country actually are embarked on such programs, and it was recommended by the California Senior Legislature at its annual conclave in Sacramento last month.

JERRY BEIGEL, Editor/Publisher

Southern California Senior Life

Los Angeles