Boomers and Seniors in the Workplace

Yesterday, I was quoted in an article titled Retire? More Seniors May Get to Dictate Their Futures by Rick Saia of PongoResume.com. This article is a Must-Read for those contemplating retirement and for those already in retirement.

It seems to me that three large events are coming together in a way that will result in keeping Boomers in the workplace longer and in bringing already retired Seniors back into the workplace:

1. More retired Seniors are living longer - and are living healthy, active lives longer - than ever before. And therefore, they need two things: (1) something interesting and productive to do with their time, and (2)more income to finance their longer lifespans.

2. With Boomers retiring, the are some real shortages of talent in some industries - such as teaching, for example - gaps that are not being adequately filled by the latest group of 20-somethings coming through.

3. The current economic crisis is putting a pinch on everyone's pocketbook, and especially on those of Seniors living on a fixed income based on savings and funds that are being eroded or are disappearing.

As Rick Saia points out in an earlier article he wrote, "Bringing Boomers and Millennials Together at Work", there are important roles for older workers in the workplace - one of which is the role of Mentor to younger workers coming up through the workplace hierarchy.

Saia also mentions in his article of yesterday, that this week - September 21-28, 2008 - is National Employ Older Workers Week. Must say, though I've found references to this week for past years, there doesn't seem to be much buzz about it this year. Wonder why?