Yes, you can likely still work at 70, as mandatory retirement based solely on age is generally illegal in many places.
Most employers cannot force you to retire at a specific age, including 70. Age discrimination laws protect older workers from being treated unfairly because of their age. Here's a breakdown:
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Age Discrimination Laws: Laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in the United States, protect individuals aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination in employment. This means employers generally can't fire you, refuse to hire you, or reduce your salary or benefits simply because of your age. Similar laws exist in many other countries.
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Exceptions to the Rule: While mandatory retirement is largely prohibited, there are some exceptions:
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Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ): An employer might be able to enforce a mandatory retirement age if age is a legitimate qualification for the job. This is a very narrow exception, usually applying to jobs where age is directly related to safety or performance (e.g., airline pilots or law enforcement officers in specific roles). The employer needs to clearly justify the age requirement.
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High-Level Executives: In some jurisdictions, certain high-level executives with substantial retirement benefits may be subject to mandatory retirement. However, this is a very specific and limited exception.
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Your Rights:
- If you believe you've been forced to retire due to age discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate government agency (e.g., the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the US).
- Consult with an employment lawyer to understand your rights and options.
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Employer Concerns: Employers may have concerns about an employee's ability to perform their job duties as they age. However, these concerns must be addressed through performance evaluations and not through mandatory retirement. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, if needed, to enable older employees to perform their jobs effectively.
In Summary: Unless you are in a very specific job category where age is a demonstrable and justifiable requirement, or are a high-level executive subject to specific rules, you generally cannot be forced to retire at 70. Your employer must treat you fairly and assess your performance based on your abilities, not your age.
