JAPAN: (Click Pakistan) A 91-year old Japanese woman is capturing the eyes of people all over the world because of her unusual determination to work and to defy the traditional perception of retirement and old age. She still works full-time in an office, against her tardy schedule, which starts at 5.30 am and ends at 5.30 pm, a schedule that she had been doing over the past seventy years.
The woman has worked all her life (65 years) and has become a symbol of survival in the country where the great rate of work and the admiration of old age are typical traits. Her associates refer to her as a very timely, concentrated and highly competent worker who performs her duties consistently and professionally even at such an advanced age.
She did not retire after her husband died but instead she decided to keep on working claiming that it gives her life a sense of purpose and independence. This was officially noted when Guinness world records recognized her as one of the oldest near full time office workers in the world.
Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world and her narrative brings out the increasing discussion on aging societies and the contribution of older people to the workforce. Researchers indicate that further participation in systematic work can help one stay mentally sharp and emotionally healthy.
People still look up to her, and she has shown that age is not the determining factor of ability and aspiration.
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