Solutions for the Maturing Workforce & Changing Workplace | ||||||||||||||||
|
Aging Population Long-Term Care Workers A new report from the Institute of Medicine highlights the growing need for long-term care workers. AARP, for instance, reports that there are 10 million Americans who need help with their daily activities right now, and the number will double by 2040. Caregivers, from home-care aides and nurses to specialized social workers, are immediately needed. If you find this field interesting and important, check it out now. Investigate Community Colleges, the University of Phoenix, other online courses and, of course, Google GERIATRIC COURSE AVAILABILITY. You will be just plain amazed at how many affordable options there are for you to consider. And, in the meantime, watch the progress of a new bill, "Caring for an Aging America Act" and follow the initiatives that result from the bill and the publicity it generates. Heads-up California and Maine readers, in particular. This bill is bipartisan; Senators Boxer (D) and Collins (R) are the co-sponsors. One of the most prevalent misconceptions about older workers is that they are stubborn and unwilling to accept change. Inflexibility is a character trait, not a generational trait. When people control their hours, exercise autonomy and find opportunities to learn, the more likely they are to continue working, according to the Center on Aging at Boston College and the Families and Work Institute. Resiliency is the key to effectively managing change, and older workers who have experienced change and handled it well are an asset to any organization. There is ample evidence that well-balanced people are better contributors, are more productive and more flexible in their willingness to meet new challenges. Demonstrate in interviews and through marketing tools how you have adapted to new challenges and managed change in work environments. Know yourself. If you were inflexible when you were younger, it is more than likely you will be inflexible as you get older. If you can’t (or won’t) demonstrate your ability to be flexible, then find a company that prefers employees who can handle routine work routinely. Brad Taft and Carleen MacKay | |||||||||||||||
|
© 2008 Cambridge Media, LLC All Rights Reserved Info@AgelessInAmerica.com Updated 05/01/08
WWWebsite by Dada Design
| ||||||||||||||||