5 ms·

I can only speak for Australia, but once you are over 50 you are in basically the same boat as in the USA, possibly worse since we have a higher minimium wage a

I can only speak for Australia, but once you are over 50 you are in basically the same boat as in the USA, possibly worse since we have a higher minimium wage and better conditions making older workers even less desirable. The best solution is to create your own business. The downside is while your boss is understanding your customers are not.

CoolGuySteve 8y ago
In the US, you're not eligible for medicare until 65. So in other industrialized countries there's no chance of being bankrupted if you face unexpected medical expenses and/or high insurance premiums between when you stop working for whatever reason and when you're eligible for medicare. It's my suspicion that one of the causes for the rising suicide rate in the US is due to baby boomers who are now entering this period of despair where you're simultaneously forced out of work and unable to carry your medical expenses. In particular, health issues often prevent people from working and your health usually declines as you age.
- 75dvtwin 8y ago
  my understanding, perhaps incorrect, that in US medical bill payments can negotiated, to be stretched through 10 or 20 years. So, in US -- unless a person cannot afford 100$ a month or so -- they are likely not going to get bankrupted by medical bills regardless of their size. Perhaps also they will have hard time getting credit/loans. And also, my understanding was, that a US medical provider cannot refuse service to a person without insurance or without a credit card. These above understandings are anecdotal.. so not sure if that's correct. From the responses I am sing that Australia, Italy at the age of 50 and after -- people have same problem finding work. It is saddening to see that there seems to be no way out besides trying to start consulting or other self-employment opportunities.
- danieltillett 8y ago
  Yes the US health care system leaves a lot to be desired. I know as an Australian that if I get ill that I won't be bankrupted even if I am out of a job at the time. While on this topic health care costs are one of the major driving factors for companies wanting to get rid of older workers.

CoolGuySteve 8y ago

In the US, you're not eligible for medicare until 65. So in other industrialized countries there's no chance of being bankrupted if you face unexpected medical expenses and/or high insurance premiums between when you stop working for whatever reason and when you're eligible for medicare. It's my suspicion that one of the causes for the rising suicide rate in the US is due to baby boomers who are now entering this period of despair where you're simultaneously forced out of work and unable to carry your medical expenses. In particular, health issues often prevent people from working and your health usually declines as you age.

75dvtwin 8y ago
my understanding, perhaps incorrect, that in US medical bill payments can negotiated, to be stretched through 10 or 20 years. So, in US -- unless a person cannot afford 100$ a month or so -- they are likely not going to get bankrupted by medical bills regardless of their size. Perhaps also they will have hard time getting credit/loans. And also, my understanding was, that a US medical provider cannot refuse service to a person without insurance or without a credit card. These above understandings are anecdotal.. so not sure if that's correct. From the responses I am sing that Australia, Italy at the age of 50 and after -- people have same problem finding work. It is saddening to see that there seems to be no way out besides trying to start consulting or other self-employment opportunities.
danieltillett 8y ago
Yes the US health care system leaves a lot to be desired. I know as an Australian that if I get ill that I won't be bankrupted even if I am out of a job at the time. While on this topic health care costs are one of the major driving factors for companies wanting to get rid of older workers.