The suggestion that Australian workers should continue working until they reach 70 is obviously a recommendation from academics who don't actually physically work for a living.
My background is bricklaying and I well remember my father telling me, "It's a great trade, but you don't see any old bricklayers."
It's true. Just think of the term "Brickies' back" and you will understand why.
Brickies' labourers are even worse off.
Other tradies such concreters, steel fixers, plumbers, plasterers, tilers and a multitude of other building and construction workers are lucky to work until they're 60, let alone another 10 years. Chippies on the other hand tend to be a bit soft and don't really do much, so they don't count.
So, from personal experience, I believe that there is no way that most building trade workers could work productively until they reach anywhere near 70. There would of course be exceptions.
I think this latest government brain bubble is a perfect example of a situation where one size doesn't fit all.
William Hick, Engadine
Editor's note: What do you think the retirement age should be?