Thought of working through 60s “scary” - builder Ben Hooper
BEN Hooper can't imagine doing his job at 60, let alone 70.
But he may have to if Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has his way.
The Treasurer has indicated the pension age could rise to 70 as he plans to present his first budget.
Ben, owner of Hooper Constructions, has been working in the building industry for 24 years.
He said the thought of being forced to work through his 60s was "scary".
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"It's a bit harsh hearing (the age may increase) when we've worked that hard," Ben said. "It's going to be a long slog."
For tradesmen like Ben, this hard work eventually takes its toll.
Ben said he went to a chiropractor once a month to keep his back in shape.
He said his work involved heavy, awkward lifting and most people stopped in their 50s.
"As you get older your bones and muscles ache a bit more," Ben said.
But Ben said he was lucky.
"I run my own business so I can take more of a managerial role... but not all people have the same opportunity," he said.
For the tradesmen that don't own their own business, Ben said they may have to think about moving into another industry.
He said this wasn't without its problems, as many employers were reluctant to train and hire older workers.
