Working Strong Past 65

Good years are ahead for many older workers, who continue to show productivity with age. Geezerfest, an event that recognizes longtime senior employees, shared success stories and proved that meaningful work doesn't have to end at age 65. "Older workers, obviously, have valuable experience," said Venturetech chief Larry Keast, "I'm out to educate small-company CEOs that giving old-timers a second chance is good for their companies..."

For many elders, the best experiences of work come after the age of 65. Those who decide to retire early, are more likely to feel unproductive and grow tired of hobbies. Jobs also add positive health factors that keep the mind sharp.

A home care agency can help seniors stay actively employed. They can assist with caregiver duties if they have a family member at home who requires help while they are away or to ease household chores like laundry and meal preparation. Read more at http://tiny.cc/0omkj.

Dear Katy - Any tips to help Mom feel less uncomfortable about getting help with bathing?  G.D., Sandy, UT.

Dear G.D. - Many people in your mother's generation are extremely modest, so this can be a major issue. An important tip to remember is to make bathing a soothing experience and not a negative chore. To establish a comfortable setting, adjust the bathroom's temperature to her preference, place scented candles, and play relaxing music on a radio. Have a warm and soft bathrobe ready to make your mother feel pampered. Let a caregiver know about your mom's discomfort. Maybe she can start calling it a "spa treatment." Start to create a routine bathing experience, and she will feel more at ease each time.

Dear Katy- I live over 1,000 miles from my mother. How can I be actively involved in her care?  F.O., Santa Cruz, CA

Dear F.O. - This is a very typical concern with families being so spread out today. My best advice is to hire a Geriatric Care Manager. A GCM is someone who acts as an advocate for the elderly. They can assist with a range of services, from attending doctor appointments to finding a contractor for home modifications. Most importantly, they provide status updates to families on a daily basis. To find a Geriatric Care Manager, I would recommend searching the database of the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers at www.caremanager.org. Everyone at the association has gone through formal education to become members.
 (Submit your questions to kdougherty@professionalhc.com. Follow her on twitter.)

4 Myths about Older Workers

1.   Myth: Age 65 is old. Age 65 is no longer considered the
     onset of old age. Instead, it can be viewed as middle age,   
     thanks to the advances in health and nutrition. 
2.   Myth: Leisure is more fulfilling than work. Many who
     shift from working steadily to living leisure lives become
     unhealthy: both physically and psychologically. Experts
     suggest mixing work and play in your monthly routine.
3.   Myth: Older workers need to quit for younger workers.
     Employers actually value experience and fear the loss of
     knowledge if older workers choose retirement. 
4.   Myth: Seniors are worse workers then young people.
     Older workers make fewer mistakes, have fewer absences,
     and have more wisdom to offer.

Vol. 3, No. 3 

Senior Community Service Employment Program

Employment for Older Workers

Senior Training and Employment Program

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