Karen’s Korner,
Just because you are a senior adult, who is over the age of 65, it doesn’t mean that you have completed your life’s work or vocational aspirations. According to AARP, “In the United States, the share of older adults holding a job today is much greater than in the mid-1980s. Some 19% of adults ages 65 and older are employed today. In 1987, only 11% of older adults were working. Today’s share is similar to that of the early 1960s, when 18% of older Americans worked.
And why not? Our seniors today are more than able to hold down jobs as well as anyone.
They are experienced, they are capable, they are willing, and they are probably more reliable than much of the younger generation. They have been through many of life’s difficulties, and are still good at problem solving, and have a history of working in a variety of situations.
“Linked to their higher wages, today’s older workers are different from older workers in the past in other important ways:
‘’They’re working more hours, on average, than in previous decades. Today, 62% of older workers are working full time, compared with 47% in 1987.
They’re more likely than in previous decades, to be receiving employer-provided benefits such as pension plans and health insurance.
They’re more likely to have a four-year college degree than in the past.
Taking all these factors into account – more older adults in the workforce, working longer hours with higher levels of education and greater pay per hour – older workers’ overall contribution to the labor force has grown quite a bit. In 2023, they accounted for 7% of all wages and salaries paid by U.S. employers. That is more than triple the share in 1987 (2%).” (Pew Research Center)
A recent Pew Research Center survey found that workers ages 65 and older are more satisfied with their jobs overall than younger workers. They’re also more likely to say they find their job enjoyable and fulfilling all or most of the time, and less likely to say they find it stressful.
If you are over 65, you may be interested in getting a job. If so, there are many resources to consider. AARP has a listing of job opportunities for seniors on their website. For further information you can contact us at the Webster Parish COA., at 318-371-3056 for more resources!