Productivity doesn’t have to end with age. With seniors living longer and healthier lives, not everyone can afford or even prefers and early retirement! Maybe you’re staying at your job, looking for a late-career change, or even considering getting back to work. Whatever your reasoning, we’ll discuss some tips that can help make sure you’re getting the right senior work-life balance.
According to a CareerBuilder survey, more workers are putting off retirement and working past 60. 53% of workers aged 60+ are delaying retirement while 54% of workers aged 60+ plan to work part- or full-time after retirement.
Some of the most common jobs that seniors pursue include customer service, retail, and consulting. From 2013 to 2014 the number of employers hiring mature workers rose from 48% to 54%. Now, as the population ages, it’s estimated that 55% of the workforce will be aged 55 and older by the year 2020. Comparing that to the 13% from 2000 that’s a large number of industrious seniors!
Finding a job you enjoy that allows you to earn a living never gets old!
For those who don’t desire an early retirement, continuing to work can really have some positive outcomes. According to a Merrill Lynch survey, 62% of seniors work past retirement to stay mentally active, while 31% do it for the money. Not too shabby!
Choosing the Right Job
So if you’re thinking about re-entering the workforce or just staying there for a bit longer, getting the right job is key to maintaining a work-life balance. People and their perspective mature as time goes along, so you’ll need to find a position that aligns with your values. To know that a job is right for your stage in life, try asking yourself:
- Who am I right now?
- How committed can I be?
- What is my time really worth?
- Can I make a difference?
Making sure there’s enough time for family and enjoying the precious moments of growing older can be a high priority for many seniors. Realistically, a job shouldn’t take away from your enjoyment and the sense of fulfillment that comes with working. At the same time, you don’t want to maintain a job just for the sake of doing so.
Finding a flexible schedule is a top priority for many seniors who choose to work into their retirement age. Of course, it depends on the job and nature of a workplace, but it’s possible that many companies will choose to keep an experienced employee over the cost of hiring and training a replacement. There may be the possibility of taking on more of a part-time role or even working from home or another branch. Whatever the case, discussing what options are available can be a good start to finding a better senior work-life balance.
Perfecting the Senior Work-Life Balance
Now, once you’ve decided to go back to work or stay employed, making sure to keep yourself healthy remains ever so important. We’ve all been in the cycle of working too much that healthy habits might fall to the wayside, yet a senior work-life balance depends on a strict and age-appropriate wellness schedule.
There are plenty of exercises fit for seniors – especially those with a low risk of impact and injury!
Working shouldn’t mean that you’re exempt from getting your recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day! With 1 in 3 adults older than 65 citing that they’ve got no time for exercise, you’ll need to plan ahead to stay fit. Luckily, even 15 minutes of light cardio and other activities like yoga, walking, golfing, and even gardening can help seniors stay in shape while working. On the same note, eating right is the best companion activity to regular exercise – something that isn’t always easy in an office of snacks or fast food along your daily commute! Packing a healthy lunch gives you control over how you’ll feel clocking in and out for the day.
Keeping Connected
Finally, one of the best perks of working into retirement is the ability to maintain a full network of contacts. Whether it’s to discuss new opportunities or just to get lunch every so often, your professional network can help you keep a healthy social life – something to keep your mind sharp and even reduce stress.
Research suggests that people who are busy without feeling rushed are generally the happiest, and seniors are no exception! Working into your golden years is a great way to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment, all while earning more money to help with your expenses. With the right senior work-life balance, you’ll be a living example for generations just entering the workforce!
