Working retired.

1. What do the magic numbers of 18,21,35 and 65 represent in American civic life?
People can vote and be drafted at 18.People can drink at 21.People can become a president at 35 and retire at 65.

2. Why do some people work past 65?
Many people continue to work because of the monay demanding life.Everything needs to be paid such as the health care cost.

3. What does the phrase " bursting with ideas"when he comes to work at the age of 86 implies about Mr. Harold Burson?
It implies that the people at the age of 86 can still work and give something for the company.

4. Give examples to show that American employees are workaholics by choice?
The phrase 'we let more than twice as many go unused' means that they choose not to take their holidays.

5.What is the tone of the writer when he mentions that "not working for a day is right up there with not murdering,not committing adultery and not stealing"?
The tone of the writer maybe sarcasm.

6. What example is given to show that the grandparents of the present generation do not fit with the traditional stereotypical image of grandparents in the past?
The phrase 'when they call their 70-year old parents at the office and find they are just too busy to babysit their grandkids' shows that old people nowadays are not the same as the old days anymore.

7.Explain in your own words the sentence"it becomes clear that the traditional idea of "retirement"-with its gold watch,rocking chair,and golf course-is just about ready for retirement itself."
Having all those things nowadays are considered enough that they are ready to retire even though they are still working.