In the long run, administrators say they must balance younger scholars' needs with that of professors who might feel cut off from their community.

"It is obvious that people will be more inclined to retire if it doesn't cut off their professional life," says Martin.

Yet despite this concern, many emeriti say they would not have gone on teaching, even if the mandatory age was not in place.

"I don't care to teach classes, I have had my chance," says Buckley. The English scholar says he remains active with Leverett House and helps advise some theses, but he is glad to take on a reduced role.

"I hadn't thought about going on forever," Buckley recalls. "Retirement at the age of 70 is all I wanted."

Even if they no longer want to teach, some emeritus professors say they still enjoy their relationship with graduates and undergraduates on campus.

"I can't go on teaching my Gen. Ed. course, but that doesn't mean I am prevented from working with students," says sociologist Reisman, who retired in 1976. Today, Reisman continues to advise theses, write, occasionally teach a North House seminar and serve on the Hoopes Prize committee. "I do what Harvard asks of me," he says.

But while Reisman considers himself very fortunate, he says some of his colleagues do feel left out. "I am very much engaged, but I look at some my age, and they have not got that opportunity," Reisman says.