Why a worker over 65?

Why doesn't he sit on the line too?

What is an older worker? There are many wonderful articles written about looking for a job as an older worker. Most of these are great advice for the worker who is 40-65. The worker who is older than 65 is another category. The agencies looking for top executives are looking at those under the age of 40.

One of the suggestions for older workers is that you work as a temp while waiting for the perfect job. I think I could be happy with temping from now on but there are few avenues for finding these kind of jobs because the profit is much smaller than that for a six figure job placement. Another suggestion is that the older worker should use their skills to start a small business. The fallacy here is that while older workers have definite skills, they are not necessarily entrepreneurs. Starting a business requires a special set of skills that not everyone has. It usually also requires funds that the older person probably doesn’t have above and beyond their retirement savings, if any.

Between 1977 and 2007 workers over 65 increased by 101percent compared to 60 percent for workers between 16 and 65. Some sources say this is because of an eroding stock market and smaller retirement benefits. These are, no doubt, factors but I believe it is due more to those over 65 being willing and able to contribute. It is not fun to be a kept person. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2016, workers age 65 and over are expected to account for 6.1 percent of the total labor force, compared to their 2006 share of 3.6 percent.

Willing and able to contribute comes in many flavors.

• Some retired people just want a busy-work job, something to do with little stress. Wal-Mart greeter,
stocker at a retail store, watchman, and receptionist might be included here.

• Part-time work appeals to those who want to do something. They do not want to return to a full time
job with no time to enjoy a hobby or pastime. These people could fill very supportive roles.

• A full time job in ones field is difficult after retiring, particularly in more technical jobs. Technology
changes so fast that unless you make a large commitment to keeping current you will not be able to compete.

• A full time job in ones field where the company takes advantage of the wisdom gained over years of experience and the employee is more of a coach than a player could be a great solution.

Those over age 65 are just like the general population. They are no more role models for the young than the young are role models for the old. After the age of 65 Medicare picks up the benefits package and older people with skills can be a very attractive employee for a small company.

Over 65 can be a transition point. Working fewer hours, trying a new career or business, learning new skills, learning to coach others, or maybe volunteering are just some of the opportunities. How do we make it happen for more people?