Yao Yang, an economics professor at Peking University, said that it is unreasonable for women to retire at the age of 50 and that it should be gradually extended to the age of 60, just like men. As soon as this point of view came out, it attracted a lot of attention and discussion, some people agreed, some people opposed, and some people were neutral. Personally, I agree with Professor Yao Yang's point of view, I think what he said makes sense, and there is data to support it. Of course, I don't blindly agree, I also have my own thoughts and analysis, and I would like to share them with you.
Professor Yao's views are based on realistic considerations, not on a patriarchal or feminist standpoint. His main argument is that with the progress of society and the rapid development of medicine, the average life expectancy of modern women has continued to increase, and the health status has also improved significantly. Women in their 50s are still physically and psychologically relatively young and have the potential and ability to continue to contribute to society.
This argument is based on facts. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2019, the average life expectancy of women in China was 794 years old, 5 years taller than males2 years old, also 57 years old. Moreover, this number is growing, and the average life expectancy of women in China is expected to reach 81 by 20309 years old. This shows that the health level of Chinese women is very high and very advantageous.
If women's longevity and health have improved so much, why should they retire at the age of 50? In fact, this regulation was formulated a long time ago, and the social environment and demographic structure at that time were completely different from today. At that time, the average life expectancy of women was only 57 years, and their working conditions and intensity were also difficult, so allowing them to retire early was a form of protection and care. However, the situation has completely changed, and women's life expectancy and health have greatly exceeded the level of what they were then, and the nature of their work and the environment are more diverse and comfortable, so it is anachronistic, even wasteful and discriminatory to let them retire at the age of 50.
Professor Yao Yang's view is conducive to women's own development and happiness, not some deprivation or sacrifice. Another of his arguments is that extending the retirement age for women will not only help maximize the social value of women, but also help to address growing social challenges such as an aging population and a shortage of labor.
Extending the retirement age for women can give them more opportunities and time to realize their career dreams and life goals, improve their income and social status, enhance their self-confidence and self-esteem, and enjoy their work and life. This has a positive impact on women's personal growth and well-being. Extending the retirement age for women can also provide more high-quality human resources and innovative vitality for the society, alleviate the pressure of an aging population and insufficient labor, and promote economic development and social progress. This has a positive effect on women's social contribution and social recognition.
Of course, I'm not saying that there are no problems or risks with extending the retirement age for women, and I'm not saying that all women should have an extended retirement age, or are willing to do so. I understand that some women may be concerned about the impact that extending the retirement age will have on their physical health and family life, as well as increase competition and discrimination in the job market. I think these concerns are understandable and need to be taken seriously. Therefore, I agree with Professor Yao Yang's other suggestion, which is that the extension of the retirement age should be a gradual process, and at the same time, the society should provide more support and protection to ensure that women can still enjoy a good quality of life after retirement.
In short, I think Professor Yao Yang's point of view is reasonable and courageous, he dares to raise a controversial topic, and he also dares to face different voices. I hope that everyone can look at this issue rationally, and not be misled by some extreme or one-sided views, nor be swayed by some emotions or prejudices. I think that the essence of this problem is not the struggle between men and women, nor the struggle between the old and the young, but the progress of society and mankind. We should think about and solve this problem from a broader perspective, a longer-term goal, and a fairer principle, so that women's retirement age can truly become a woman's right, rather than a burden on women.
Experts recommend that the retirement age for women be extended to 60 years