Looking Up To The Older Folks

Nancy Pelosi hit the headlines recently for delivering the longest speech ever in the US House of Representatives. She stood at the podium and pleaded the cause of 'Dreamers' - immigrants who were brought into that country when they were kids, and, though they are strictly illegal immigrants, they have known no country other than the US.

- Gautam Brahma

Many people were amazed that she spoke for more than eight hours, standing all the time without even a toilet break. Some commented on how hard this must have been, given that she wore four-inch heels. Most were surprised that she did it at the age of 77, well past the official retirement age for most salaried jobs. This should set people thinking about age. Among the many reasons offered for giving short shrift to older employees is their low energy levels. This may not be true. In an opinion piece in the FT, Lucy Kellaway points out that, at least for women, the thirties and forties are high stress periods when they are caught up doing triple-duty in bringing up children; while managing work and home. She feels that many like her have more energy in their fifties and sixties, as they focus without distractions on their work. They are also more likely to show up on time on Mondays! This is purely anecdotal, but makes a point deserving research.