Active Living FALL 2022

While millions of older Americans retired during the pandemic, 2022 has seen them returning to work in much faster rates than other age groups.

e U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said that in 2022, the participation rate for people aged 55 to 64 has returned to pre-pandemic levels with an estimated 1.5 million of retirees going back to work.

AARP lists several reasons why older people are coming out of retirement to return to work — most o en to part-time jobs:

• In ation during 2022 was at rates higher than what has been seen since 1981.

• e stock market has been very volatile, which causes 401(k)s to shrink.

• More workers can now work remotely which appeals to older people tired of commutes or concerned about catching COVID-19.

• Many older people need health insurance coverage as medical costs rise.

• Loneliness has become a bigger problem since the pandemic.

Going Back to Work

POPULAR JOB OPTIONS

While many seniors face age discrimination or are unable to nd jobs that pay as much as they used to make, there are a few industries and occupations that welcome older workers.

e Urban Institute performed a health and retirement study and found the following occupations are most common for college graduates who are hired at age 62 or older:

• Teachers and college instructors.

• Administrative assistants.

• Nursing jobs.

• Real estate agents.

• Sales jobs.

• Driving jobs such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers and chau eurs.

• Clergy.

• Child care providers.

• Management consultants.

• Financial managers.

• Writers.

• Electrical and electronic engineers.

• Musicians.

PLANNING FOR RETURN-TO-WORK SUCCESS

O en retirees nd that the workplace has changed since they were last in it. To make a successful return to work, you’ll want to upgrade your skills and manage your resume to avoid age discrimination.

Computer skills are no longer optional. In fact, more than 70% of employers, according to PureMichigan Talent Connect, only accept online applications. So to even get your foot in the door, you need basic computer literacy. For those who

can go beyond that, IT jobs are always in high demand so pursuing training or a certication in that eld can open up many opportunities.

Pay close attention to your resume, which is the rst impression you make with a potential employer. You want to showcase your skills, but you don’t want to emphasize your age. Remove any dates from your education. Don’t feel you have to show every job you’ve ever done. Just show the work relevant to the position you are applying for.

e Balance Careers website o ers several ways to “ageproof” your resume. Use a

functional or combination resume rather than a chronological one. Only include work from the past 10-15 years. Don’t say that you have 20-30 years of experience. Instead, say you have 10+ years.

Highlight your skills and show that you are connected by giving a link to your LinkedIn pro le and — if they will hold up to professional scrutiny — provide your social media handles. Network online at LinkedIn, which is an important way to stay connected and be alerted to potential job opportunities.

4 reasons to improve the quality of life for seniors

e United Nations has designated October 1, 2022, as the International Day of Older Persons, an occasion to remember older people’s contributions to society and take action to improve their quality of life. Here are four excellent reasons to make this a priority throughout the year.

1. e number of older people continues to rise. e main reason for this is increasing life expectancy. e critical place they occupy in society must not be overlooked.

2. Each person, provided their health allows, will one day become a senior. Any improvements made today will bene t future generations.

3. Older adults are active and engaged in their communities. ey bring a wealth of experience and mentoring to the workplace. In family life, their contribution to child and infant care is invaluable.

4. Improving the quality of life for seniors has implications for all aspects of society. It can lead to better transportation accessibility, improved security in public spaces and technological advances. Learn more about the di erent activities and initiatives in your area to improve seniors’ quality of life and what steps you can take.

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What’s a continuing care retirement community?

Are you considering a visit to a seniors’ residence or retirement home in anticipation of a move for yourself or your loved ones? Have you considered a continuing care retirement community? Here’s what you need to know.

THE CONCEPT

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are characterized by an ability to adapt from independent living and assisted living to memory care and nursing home services. It allows the residents to age in place, with supports varying according to their shi ing levels of mobility and autonomy. e accessibility options may be in a single building or in a complex depending on the establishment.

THE ADVANTAGES

CCRCs provide residents with plenty of exibility and allow for adaptive support to meet them wherever they are on life’s journey. It ensures long-term care by enabling occupants to stay in the same facility even as their health and abilities decline. In conventional senior care, the resident must change institutions as they lose their autonomy, further complicating their condition. e consistency provided by CCRCs minimizes this disruption.

Talk to a seniors’ residential consultant to nd a suitable retirement home in your area.

activities to do this fall

With its vibrant leaves and fresh air, autumn o ers numerous activity options. Here are four you may enjoy.

1. CREATE A GARDEN

Certain plants like da odils and tulips must be planted in the fall for beautiful spring blooms. If you don’t have any outdoor garden space, use pots instead.

2. GO WALKING

Take a stroll in your area or on a trail in the woods. Breathe in the refreshing air and admire the ora and fauna in your natural surroundings. Make it more festive by combining your walk with apple or gourd picking.

3. DEVELOP YOUR CRAFTY SIDE

Cloudy and dreary days are perfect for cra y activities like knitting or sewing. Make something new for yourself or take extra pleasure in making a gi for a loved one.

4. TAKE A CLASS

Register for an online or in person course to learn a new skill, such as cooking, computers or a second language. Many options are available free of charge or at a reduced rate for seniors.

Do you need more ideas? Check out what your local community has in store for the coming season.

Enjoy the great outdoors with reduced mobility

Are you in good health but reliant on a wheelchair or walker? Whatever your mobility limitations, you can still spend time enjoying the pleasures of nature. With a bit of research, you can nd an outdoor destination adapted to diverse users, including seniors with limited mobility.

ACCESSIBILITY

Many parks and public nature areas provide access ramps, safe walkways, accessible toilets and automatic gates and doors. But that’s not all. Some places designed for nature lovers o er specially designed equipment to enable people with limited mobility to enjoy a unique experience despite their condition.

Before setting out, you may be able to borrow or rent an adapted wheelchair or a modi ed bicycle to travel on uneven or snow-covered paths. You can go along with a friend on their walk or run, take a stroll on the beach or take a bike ride together.

Do you have an active friend who likes to break with routine? Suggest an outing together and make new memories.

ere are numerous online resources for people with mobility issues to nd accessible nature trails. For details on accessible trails across the U.S., accessiblenature.info has helpful icons indicating whether a route is wheelchair accessible, easy for elderly hikers or suitable for people with visual impairments. Visit disabledhikers.com for resources for people with limited mobility and their able-bodied hiking companions.

Should you adopt a pet when you retire?

Has your schedule freed up since retiring? Are you considering inviting a furry friend into your home? Here are a few things to consider before deciding whether adopting a pet is a good idea.

HEALTH IMPACTS

Owning a pet has many bene ts, including reduced stress and anxiety, lessened feelings of loneliness, increased self-esteem and a general sense of wellbeing. For example, owning a dog helps raise your level of social engagement and physical activity because of walks and visits to the park. ese changes can have a signi cant impact on your health.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Whatever type of animal you like, it’s essential to re ect on the long-

term implications. Consider, for example, a dog’s life expectancy and your plans. ink about whether you may sell your home, move into a smaller space or travel. Try to determine who can care for your companion if you can’t take it with you.

Finally, choose an animal that complements your level of autonomy. If you want a dog and you’re not very active, you probably shouldn’t get an energetic puppy that’s strong enough to cause you to lose your balance. If you have reduced mobility, you may nd suitable companionship in a cat, hamster or sh.

Do you want to give an abandoned pet a second chance? Visit an animal shelter in your area.