Seniors stay active in job market for a reason

U.S. - At one point in the 2008 Oscar-nominated film “Frost/Nixon,” former President Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella, said, “Retired people are the most bored people in the world.” While some retirees might scoff at that remark, others no doubt agree there’s an element of truth to it.

Perhaps boredom is one reason many seniors continue to work past retirement age. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), 47 percent of male seniors and 34 percent of female seniors were employed in 2007. That those figures were from 2007 is significant, as it indicates this was before the economic downturn of 2008-09, a consequence of which was more seniors returning to the workforce.

For many seniors, though, working isn’t simply a means to earn money. In fact, seniors who continued working past the age of 70 earned an average of just $20,000 in 2007. Seniors also tend to work to have something to do. For seniors looking to do just that, a host of employment or volunteer options can be explored to help them stay busy and possibly put a little extra money in their pockets.

• Golf courses can have part-time opportunities for seniors. For example, golf courses need rangers, who ensure all golfers play by the rules and respect the course, and even maintenance staff, who do everything from cut the grass to maintaining gardens. These can also pull double duty, providing seniors with daily exercise to help them stay healthy.

• Volunteerism is always good. Many programs that help indigent citizens get by every day welcome seniors as volunteers. Meal delivery services and other programs that cater to the sick are often in need of a helping hand.

• Local school districts also have volunteer opportunities that can be ideal for seniors. Positions such as crossing guard or even helping out with the local athletic teams don’t require much of a commitment and can be rewarding and fun for seniors.

• Seniors who like to share their knowledge and experience can earn a handsome amount of money by working as consultants. Consultants often work on their own schedule, an ideal situation for seniors with a passion for business but an equal passion for the positives of retirement.

• Libraries welcome volunteers and some need part-time employees to keep their operations running smoothly. Many libraries prefer hiring seniors thanks to their reliability and good attitude.