why many older adults want to work after retirement. In the MetLife/Civic Ventures survey, 59% of respondents said that staying involved with other people was very important in a job. Consider holding special events or pro- viding spaces where people can mix and mingle after workouts. It pays to foster a friendly atmosphere for older members and staff.
3. Be flexible with your scheduling.
While many older individuals want to work in retirement, they want – and, in many cases, need – more flexibil- ity with their hours. AARP’s 2003 Working in Retirement Study showed that more than 80% of those who hadn’t yet retired and more than 60% of those who had retired thought it very important or somewhat impor- tant to be able to set their own hours. Time off for caregiving was at least equally important. Think about how you could be creative with your scheduling to accommodate older workers.
4. Show that you value your work-
ers’ contributions. Older individu- als are looking for a sense of purpose and want to feel that their work is meaningful and valued. According to a 2005 survey conducted by AgeWave and Harris Interactive for Ameriprise Financial, retirement is often associ- ated with feelings of emptiness, worry and boredom after the initial adjust- ment. This finding helps to explain why so many people retire and then go back to work in some capacity. For 57% of those who responded to the MetLife/Civic Ventures survey, gaining a sense of purpose from their jobs was very important. And the 2003 AARP study found that more than 80% of respondents said they seek employers who value their opinions. Such simple things as listening to people’s ideas and showing appreciation can make a difference.
5. Offer training and education-
al opportunities when possible. The
desire to keep learning is another key reason that older adults decide to work in retirement, according to a 2005 survey by JWT Mature Market Group and ThirdAge, Inc. AARP’s 2003 study found that having new experiences was very important or somewhat important to more than 80% of individuals who had yet to
retire and more than 70% of those who had. The ability to learn new things was not far behind for both groups. By providing opportunities to learn on the job, your organization will appeal to older workers and keep them engaged in their work. It’s the simple things that matter,
regardless of a person’s age. To attract older members and workers, think about how your organization can sup- port their health and well-being, not
just your bottom line. You’ll find that nurturing these individuals will in turn nurture your business. FBC
Colin Milner, chief executive officer of the International Council on Active Aging®, is one of the foremost visionaries and original think- ers regarding the health and well-being of the older adult. He has authored more than 200 articles on aging-related issues and inspired industry leaders, publications, television net- works and radio stations to seek his advice.
Call us at 1.877.454.2285
Call us at 1.877.454.2285
www.atlantis-fit.com
www.atlantis-fit.com
September/October 2009 Fitness Business Canada 31
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