The current slump in our economy has opened the door and put out the welcome mat for many people in our senior class. And the holiday season opens a whole wealth of new opportunities for seniors.
Times like these are reminiscent of the days of yesteryear when a person could barter for goods and services. In today’s market, seniors can find full or part-time employment if they so desire, whether to supplement retirement income or simply to remain busy and active.
Opportunities range from volunteer work to management positions and the pay scale has a wide range. Some jobs can be taken under the old barter system, depending on a person’s needs.
Almost without exception, senior workers are welcome in almost every aspect of service and in many walks of life. Our options are open; we need only to decide what works best for us, and where we would fit in. For instance, some older men and women prefer to be a mentor to the next generation, giving council and advice with the benefit of their many years of experience. Dealing with the young has proven to be advantageous to both age groups, according to several non-profit programs that integrate the generations. As a result, seniors have come to realize that they need to reach out to the youth of our community.
At the other end of the spectrum we may chose to be with people closer to our own age, those that we would feel more comfortable with and have more interests in common. It has become very popular in recent years I understand, for seniors to help fellow seniors. When family members are not willing, or not available to be a care-giver or companion to an older person, there are other options. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of a friend reaching out to offer transportation, conversation or a cheerful phone call. Also, there are organizations that go a step further and provide a volunteer assigned to one individual on a weekly basis. The purpose is to help seniors to stay in their own homes as long as possible.
Our society has made significant changes when it comes to the subject of elder care. No longer, it seems, do parents and grandparents live together under the same roof, that goes for Aunt Sophie and Uncle Ed as well. The welcome mat is gone in many cases, due to finances, demanding jobs, children, and the rest. It’s a pity in some ways, because having seniors in a home contributes so much to the entire family.
If you are in the market for a new role in life, you might want to look into the long list of possibilities in the “help wanted” column. Some jobs are more like fun than employment, and can offer to barter for things such as; living quarters, meals, bridge lessons, etc.
Likewise, the wealth of our experiences, as well as our hobbies and interests, can take us as far from home as we would like. Many seniors act as guides for museums, fishing camps, tourist travel, nature trails and on sight seeing busses – almost too many to mention.
Any of the suggestions given here will accomplish our goal, which is; to keep moving!
(Author’s Note: Here’s a special Christmas offer is to Mesquite Local News readers: an autographed copy of my book, "Bing: On the Road to Elko", will include a complimentary CD of Bing Crosby Christmas songs. Cost: $20 plus $3 shipping. To order contact Carolyn Schneider at (702) 240-8570 or email at artist71635@msn.com)