by Carol Gioia

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: July 31, 2008

Is it time for Regis Philbin to retire? The only one who can answer that question is Regis himself. The popular co-host of "Live with Regis and Kelly" has been doing the partially improvisational talk show for twenty plus years and has been in show business for half a century.

Retirement is no longer a predictable milestone in our society. In the past when an individual reached the ripe old age of 65, it was a foregone conclusion that he would retire from the work force and live out his remaining years at a leisurely pace.

Today's senior citizens are a different breed. Many older individuals want to continue their productive activity for as long as possible. Retirement, once considered mandatory, is now only another option.

Regis Philbin at 75+ is well past the expected age of retirement. Does that mean he should retire? Retirement is a personal choice. If Regis wants to exercise his right to continue to work at his profession, he is certainly entitled to do so.

"Live with Regis and Kelly" continues to be one of the most highly rated morning television shows. The rapport between Regis and his current co-host, Kelly Ripa, is a big part of what makes the show so entertaining and loved by both the live audience and the viewing public. There is nothing in the ratings to indicate Regis should take his final bow.

Regis' health, on the other hand, could be an indication that it is time for him to slow down. His triple bypass surgery certainly caused concern among his adoring fans. After a brief sabbatical to recuperate, Regis was back on the air and continuing to play to packed houses in his appearances at nightclubs and casinos around the country.

Regis makes frequent guest appearances on other shows, and he has become the unchallenged ambassador for New York nightlife as he dedicates a segement of his morning conversations on "Live" to updating the viewing public about restaurants, broadway plays and other venues the city has to offer.

What makes Regis spit in the eye of retirement and, in spite of health issues, continue to work harder than ever. He certainly doesn't need the money. Like most inveterate entertainers he is no doubt addicted to applause and personal connection with his large fan base. It makes no sense to give up something he obviously loves doing to adhere to some abstract, arbitrary "rule" of retirement.

As long as his show continues to thrive, his personal appearance venues continue to be sold out and his popularity with the public maintains, this well loved and respected entertainer should go right on doing what he loves to do.

His state of health will be enhanced by his continued active lifestyle. Regis is an intelligent individual and has the common sense to modify his activity when he feels the need to cut back on his grueling schedule for physical considerations. His comedic references to his doctors and health issues reassures his audience that he will be prudent in his approach to prolonging the quality of his life.

Should he one day keel over in the midst of his work, we can rest assured he went "out" in the style he preferred; doing what he loved to do for as long as he was able. Can anyone aspire to a more auspicious final curtain?

Regis Philbin, New York City's hometown boy, is a class act and he will know when the time is right for his retirement. Until then, we applaud him and wish him continued health, wealth and happiness in his career and his life.

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