Old Age but No Rest: The Political Economy of Delayed Retirement.

This article explores the political economy of delayed retirement and its societal impact. It examines the conflict between official and civil discourse on proposals to raise the retirement age, arguing that prolonging labor benefits capitalists by increasing surplus value. The article criticizes neoclassical economics for its narrow focus on economic interests and advocates for a comprehensive understanding of social production and distribution. It emphasizes the importance of shortening the working day for human development and discusses the shift from "material dependence" to "free and comprehensive development." The text also addresses the paradox of old age and the failure to solve elder care despite increased wealth, attributing the issue to the capitalist mode of production. It suggests reforms such as building a socialist economic system, improving fiscal and financial systems, investing in social programs, and strengthening social and labor security while gradually reducing working hours. [Extracted from the article]