Maggie's Farm

America contains lots of cultures and subcultures.

In Yankeeland, men never seem to want to retire. It's a point of masculine pride in a part of the country where work and masculine pride and vigor have traditionally been equated.

Our tradition has always been a little suspicious of, and uncomfortable with, leisure. Perhaps "ambivalent" is the right word. People with Yankeeland roots tend to find some work to do when they find spare time on their hands. Idleness is a sin, and "relaxation" is not in the lexicon. I am not saying that this is right or wrong - it's just a cultural thing hereabouts.

Furthermore, Yankee women tend not to like having an idle guy around her domain.

Here's a link at The American: Entitled to Leisure? The growing length of retirement for men in part reflects a decline in the number of years spent working. Is this a good thing? One quote:

That men age 20 now devote only two-thirds rather than 90 percent of their remaining lifetimes to paid work will be regarded by many readers as a sign of progress. But would we be better off if such men “caught up” to women by devoting only half of their remaining lifetime to paid work? Or would it be better if instead women caught up to men by devoting two-thirds of their remaining lifetimes to paid work? From the standpoint of financing entitlements, the answer is clear. But whether that answer maximizes social welfare will be a topic of heated discussion in the months and years ahead.

The 92-year old who bags my wine says he keeps working so he can pick up chicks. He goes for the lonely 80 year-olds.