I enjoy my job and look forward to going into the Health Alliance Medicare office almost every day. I said almost. Like most of us, I work to make a living, but at my age I do consider the life I could lead after retirement. I don’t have time to think about it much, because I realize I might need to work for longer than I expected 10 years ago. We’ve all noticed more aging people in the workplace, and there are a number of reasons why.
The main one is financial. In a retracting financial climate, current retirement dollars are often just not enough. Working past retirement age looks more and more likely for many of us. Good planning can’t always protect us from all the financial variables we may face. Also of note: thanks to modern technology, our futures are getting longer. Following the “save more, spend less and diversify” plan seems harder to follow in spite of these facts.
In my role of interacting with local Medicare beneficiaries, I’ve realized today’s seniors are more likely to maintain active schedules instead lapsing into inactivity. For many of the baby boomers, retirement has turned into a time for re-invention, and work is often a major part of that process. It can be difficult for active, involved people to suddenly be out of the loop.
Financial motivators are not the only reason someone may choose to work later in life. Socialization becomes the driver for some people who would otherwise lack social interaction. A job can sometimes fill the void left by isolation from far-flung family members and the loss of aging friends.
Another option is to work without financial compensation. Volunteer work provides continuing opportunities for enrichment and personal satisfaction after retirement. These jobs provide structure and satisfaction when the financial motivation is not primary. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E) are good resources for finding volunteer programs in your area.
“People are used to being in a niche when they work. Volunteer jobs give a retired person a feeling of being included, and they are able to provide a helping hand at the same time,” says Marilyn Strangeman, program director of Coles County RSVP.
As I look around the Health Alliance Medicare office, I notice a number of us are flirting with our mature years. We are a nice group of folks—experienced, professional and kind. I guess working past retirement age wouldn’t be such a bad thing, after all.
Patrick Harness is the community representative for Health Alliance Medical Plans, located at Lincoln Square Village in Urbana. For more information about community resources for seniors or any of the Health Alliance Medicare plans, reach him at 1-800-965-4022 or patrick.harness@healthalliance.org.