That's why Medicare is going broke. When LBJ started Medicare
(eligibility age = 65) the average life expectancy was 64. Congress, in
its infinite foresight, forgot to index it with future life expectancy.
On another note, next Friday I leave for TA, then LZ, to captain the
first-ever US High Speed Telegraphy team's participation in the HST
world championships. Team members include W2UP, W5ZL, NE3X (ex NV1P),
K3ODY (son of NE3X), KE7OPG, and Brana (OPG's daughter). We almost had
2 young contesters join us (KU5B and K0DXC) but school commitments
prevented them from participating. Results will be posted at
http://hst2009.eu
Wish us didahdidit dididah dahdidahdit dahdidah.
Barry W2UP
Robert L. Shohet wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> While I was on vacation with my family this past week,
> we ate breakfast in a pancake house which had little cards
> by the cashier with the following details and years on them:
>
> Remember When:
> 1960, 1961, etc.
>
> Cost of a house
> Life Expectancy
> Salary
> Price of a gallon of gas, etc.
>
> You get the picture. Here is what was particularly interesting...
>
> The life expectancy in the US has increased from age 66 to age 84
> over the past 50 years. In some areas of the world, the increase in
> life expectancy has been even larger (China for example).
>
> So while it is true that the average age of hams and contesters is
> rapidly increasing, it is really not as bad as it seems.
>
> 50 years ago, if you were licensed at 13 and expected to live to
> 66, and someone born in 2009, is licensed at age 31 and is expected
> to live to age 84, there is no difference in the potential number
> of years on the air!
>
> Of course kids have a lot more time to pursue radio than
> adults do, but the longer length of retirement today also allows for
> a lot more time to pursue radio than while they were working.
>
> Just some "food for thought" on a point that has not yet been
> raised. Of course, the ideal situation is for someone to get licensed
> at age 12 and then have another potential 72 years to enjoy the hobby. :-)
>
> 73
> Bob KQ2M
>
>
>
>
>
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>
--
Barry Kutner, W2UP Lakewood, CO
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