LIVING THE GOOD LIFE: WORK
One reason that people sometimes become physically and emotionally dependent in their later years is because they have left the work force after a long career. Self-esteem and independence are difficult to maintain when you no longer feel that you are making a contribution to society. In addition, families often become fragmented and are geographically separated. This means that you cannot even count on your role as a respected elder, which used to be the case when families remained together. Some professionals can pursue their vocations into their later years, and this allows them to continue being productive and dynamic. However, many people do not have the opportunity to continue working after age 65 or 70, although this is changing with the disappearance of age-based mandatory retirement. Even with the change in the law people will have to retire at some time, although the age may be higher for many individuals.
Some older people fare very well after they retire; many, however, find that time becomes their enemy. The inactivity that frequently follows retirement often leads to excessive preoccupation with the body and concerns about health. Those who find productive and creative outlets for their retirement years seem to have the best chance of maintaining their health and vigor.
Ideally, preparation for this stage of your life should be done long before your actual retirement. But if you have not prepared, new skills and interests can still be developed after you stop working. Hobbies can satisfactorily fill a good deal of your newfound time. In order to promote your continued involvement with other working and productive people, you can can even embark on a new career. Many businesses and stores might welcome your assistance in various tasks. The amount of money that you earn should not be a major consideration. It may even be possible for you to return to your previous place of work with an agreement that you earn a limited income for a limited amount of work. Many employers might welcome the experience and expertise that you can contribute to younger workers. A recent Time magazine article on aging in America describes a large insurance company that hires back retired workers instead of paying fees to temporary employment agencies. The director was quoted as saying, “We get better, more competent, dedicated and highly motivated people.”
Look into schools and recreational facilities. For example, you could teach children carpentry, cooking, sewing, bookkeeping, or other useful skills. Hospitals and nursing homes might welcome you as a volunteer to help patients and residents. Remuneration for these activities is less important than the satisfaction that is achieved from productive work and being in touch with others.
I know a woman who is almost 85 years old and who works every day as a volunteer in a home for the aged. She proudly shows off a pin that she was awarded after she had finished more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work. During the preceding ten years she worked as an assistant to nurses in helping disabled residents in the home with their meals. Whenever she sees me, she mentions how much she loves helping the “old folks.” Her strength and positive outlook have been reinforced by the knowledge that the residents rely on her for their welfare.
Professional people and executives can often find outlets for their skills and training more easily. Many volunteer programs allow skilled older people to act as advisers and instructors. Occasionally, this may require travel, but often positions can be found locally. Even a few days a week or a few hours a day provide incentive and satisfaction.
Some schools and other institutions use the expertise of retired professionals and crafts people to teach courses. One man I met, who was retiring from his position as a senior baker for a large baking firm, volunteered a few hours a week to teach skills to students of baking and nutrition. I le looked forward to his new role in life with great enthusiasm.
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