CCTV9英语新闻：中国老百姓对延长退休的反应（在线收听）

The talk of a longer working life is already causing concern for many. Our reporter Su Yuting spoke to people on the streets of Beijing, to hear their reactions.

A delayed retirement will eventually affect all people in China, whether young or old, male or female. Chinese people are enjoying an increased life expectancy, and many will be able to work for longer. But will they welcome the opportunity to?

"I think I can still make a contribution to the country. When I retired at the age of 55, I thought it was too early. So I agree with raising the retirement age."

"We city gardeners work outside all our lives and our health is not very good. So we don’t want to push back our retirement."

"Workers in the manufacturing industries do not want the retirement age to be raised, because their work is heavy and their income is low."

Reporter: "The decision to extend the retirement age is far from having unanimous backing. Apart from civil servants, many people have expressed little enthusiasm at the prospect of working longer. Young graduates entering the workforce even fear rasing the retirement age could limit their employment opportunities."

"I’m not quite in favour of raising the retirement age, as it will be more difficult for us to find a job or to get promoted, if the older workers are still occupying the position."

"I oppose this kind of policy. I think the younger generation is the fresh blood society needs, and they have greater potential to make more contributions than the elderly."

Different people have different needs. Experts say although it’s hard to find consensus, a balanced solutions should be worked out on the interest of different people.

"We don’t need to have the same retirement age for every people. That’s the problem, that’s why lots of people have opposed this policy. Because we didn’t consider their needs and their situation, if the government can issue the policy dealing with different people. That’s would be better for the people and better for the country." Professor Qiao Xiaochun from Peking University’s Institute of Population Research said.

A blanket solution may not be the answer to solve the ageing problem and pension shortage. Experts say it’s necessary to balance the need of the country and need of the people, and for the government to take into account the people’s core interests.