> But guess who else produces nothing of value for society and loves life? Retirees!

A retired person can produce MORE value for society by contributing their time, talent, wisdom (as of this post, un-addled by AI) and NOT turning the wheel of "productive work" that only moves that insane distribution of wealth farther "right" in most charts.

They even contribute great posts on HN. Hint.

The downside of retirement is missing out on the free air conditioning at work, when those $300 and $400/month bills arrive [0] Pay or fry.

Also, medical plans not subject to the savaging of medicare, medicaid and the VA going on. Pay or die.

[0] it's very peaky here, so solar doesn't pay for a very long time.

No one sane is afraid of living the ideal retired life. They are afraid of not being able to afford to live. If we were actually talking about replacing the current system of "work if you want to live" with AI-funded universal basic income, I don't think as many people would be complaining.