When Jane turned 65, her company had a big retirement party for her featuring a white sheet cake suffocated by yellow frosting. She received a gold (plated) watch and a card that read:
Dear Jane Smith, 35-year employee, we wish for you before the end, a few rocking chair years with The Game Show Channel and grandkids who visit at the holidays or when they need money.
Sound familiar? We hope not! Today’s retirees often don’t even use the word “retired.” Or, if they do, it comes in the context of the next best thing in life – travel, volunteering, finding part-time work in something they’ve never done. Baby boomers, in particular, are re-writing the last chapters of their lives. According to the Center for Retired Research, delayed retirement can be attributed to:
- Increasing life expectancy and better health.
- Rising education levels (more-educated people are known to remain employed longer).
- Growing numbers of white-collar jobs, which older people are more physically able to perform.
- Declining availability of employer-provided health insurance for retirees.
- Increasing numbers of employed women reaching older ages with longer work histories than previous generations.
Those who choose to volunteer or keep working later in life find a multitude of choices at The Senior Connection: Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, special event team members, serving on an organizational committee or the board of directors.
“There are many reasons why older adults enjoy volunteering,” says Teresa Beahen Lipman, The Connection executive director. “For some, they finally have time to give back, and for others, they want to be part of something meaningful, have a place to go and make a difference.”
A study released by Johns Hopkins University revealed that volunteers increased their brain functioning, had reduced stress levels and lived longer.
The staff also reflect the trend not to be put out to pasture anytime soon.
“Many of our volunteers and workers are in their 60s and mid to late 70s. One of our Meals on Wheels volunteers just turned 81! He drives meals and makes friendly visits to homebound residents every Friday with his 78-year-old buddy!” Lipman says.
The Senior Connection has also incorporated an Experience Works program for a senior in our community.
A national, nonprofit organization offering job training, job placement, and work experience to mature workers over age 55, Experience Works pays the employee to learn new skills to better re-enter the work place.
“Seniors have a wonderful set of skills and knowledge to offer as volunteers and as employees – a lifetime of experience that is valued and put to good use at The Senior Connection,” says Lipman. “When senior members of our community use their talents and skills to serve others, they demonstrate they are active, involved and essential to the health of our community and to themselves.”
If YOU want to be part of something life-changing and fun, with the benefit of a deep sense of purpose, contact The Senior Connection at (208) 788-3468.