高齢ワーキングプアの苦しみ（TBS報道特集をみて）

TBS報道特集で、高齢（78歳）なのに、過酷な労働で苦しむ男性が紹介された。男性は年金だけでは生活できない。65歳以降も継続雇用されていた会社は倒産し、今は草むしりの仕事をしているとのこと。時給は最低賃金ギリギリだ。78歳の高齢なのに、長いときはフルタイムだという。今は秋でマシだが、真夏の草むしりは地獄だ。男性は、低い姿勢で作業するため、腰を痛めている。激痛に耐えながら働いているのだ。

同情している若い人は、考えを変えたほうが良い。これは、他人事ではない。旧帝大や早慶を出ていようと、高齢で何のスキルも無ければ、草むしり、警備員、トイレ掃除くらいしかできる仕事はないと思う。私はSAPのスキルがあるが、今のスキルが永遠に活かせるわけではない。時代とともに技術はアップデートされるからだ。そのため、慶應経済卒業の私も、運が悪ければ、番組で紹介された男性のように、78歳で草むしりしている未来も可能性ゼロではないのだ。

電気工事士などの資格持ちの人のほうが、ただの高学歴文系よりも、高齢になれば役に立つだろう。

本気で、未来の解像度を上げないと、地獄が来るかもしれないのだ。政府は年金を減らすに決まっているのだ。現役時代に役職が高くても、何の役にも立たない。むしろプライドが邪魔をして仕事の選択肢を狭めるだろう。

今からでも遅くはない。手に職の資格をとるか、資産運用するしかないと思う。

Challenges Faced by Elderly Workers: A Societal Concern

In recent years, the plight of elderly workers facing harsh labor conditions has become increasingly apparent. This issue is not merely a matter of personal responsibility but reflects broader societal and economic challenges. The situation of a 78-year-old man, highlighted in a TBS report, exemplifies this struggle. Despite his age, he is forced to engage in physically demanding work, such as weeding, due to insufficient pension income. This scenario raises critical questions about the support systems in place for our aging population.

### Economic Necessity

The primary driver behind elderly individuals engaging in long hours of labor is economic necessity. Many find that their pensions and savings are inadequate to cover basic living expenses. This financial shortfall compels them to seek employment, often in low-wage, physically demanding jobs that do not utilize their skills or experience. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many elderly workers lost stable employment due to company bankruptcies or downsizing.

### Societal Factors

Several societal factors contribute to this issue. The current pension system, including the "in-work pension" scheme, can penalize those who choose to work by reducing their pension benefits. This disincentive discourages continued employment and exacerbates financial insecurity among the elderly.

Moreover, the job market often fails to accommodate the skills and needs of older workers. Many find themselves in roles that offer little more than minimum wage and require significant physical exertion, which can be detrimental to their health.

### Government Responsibility

There is a growing sentiment that government policies have been insufficient in addressing these challenges. While discussions about reforming pension systems are ongoing, substantial changes have yet to be implemented. Additionally, there is a need for policies that better integrate older workers into the labor market by recognizing and utilizing their skills effectively.

### Conclusion

The issue of elderly individuals being forced into long hours of labor is a complex problem that cannot be solved by individual effort alone. It requires comprehensive policy changes and societal support to ensure that aging does not equate to hardship. As technology and economies evolve, so too must our approaches to supporting the elderly population, ensuring they can live with dignity and security.