Yesterday France was discussing the possibility of raising the retirement age to 62. Other countries in Europe were bolder and have already set it at 65. I understand that, in Britain, while no decision has been reached, the age of 72 is being kicked around.
I must state unequivocally that I am in total agreement with these measures. Nothing raises spirits more at the office than an old employee who brings his own coffin to work in the mornings, just in case. It might even increase productivity, because, in the presence of that powerful symbol of mortality, people will be encouraged to get on with it before they breath their last.
For the civil service, I don't expect these measures to have great impact. The folks there have been dead for years and communicate with the public through mediums, which explains why they only know three speeds: slow, slower and very slow. In fact, having to go into a government department is an experience much akin to attending a spiritualistic séance. Only much more rewarding, because there is a better chance of coming across some of your long dead forefathers who are still waiting for a decision.
All in all, the future is going to be fun.
