The cruelty of age discrimination

‘There are others who feel the way I do and have experienced the same circumstances, but only I and one other of my colleagues were willing to come forward and speak of the injustice that is currently taking place with the practice of mandatory retirement. I am not afraid.’ Cecil Whitecross, avid sportsman, age 65 years old, forced to retire because of his age

This is the last in a series of articles by Age Concern Bermuda that seek to highlight the most critical social issues facing the ageing population of Bermuda. Today’s article focuses on how mandatory retirement at age 65 years old is affecting a healthy, vibrant older population that is willing and able to work.

The saying goes that 60 is the new 40, and for retired, 65-year-old Custodian, Cecile Whitecross even the age of 40 seems far too old.

Mr Whitecross is in peak form, running at least seven miles a day. He boasts that he runs over the steep Knapton Hill daily and has no problem in keeping up with his younger running partner. Mr. Whitecross is in such good form that he has been running in the Bermuda Marathon Derby for the past 16 years.

One would think that with all of his vitality that Mr. Whitecross would be more than capable of handling the physical demands of his previous employment as a Custodian at a public primary school. However, when the conversation changes from his excellent physical condition to his recent forced retirement, Mr Whitecross’ tone quickly changes to anger and disappointment.

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