This week, I have the second part of my 20th-anniversary column where I share what I have learned from our readers during this past year.
Older workers, employment and entrepreneurship: Experience, attitude and drive count. A retired woman at age 65 was happy to be hired. She noted that her experience in shipping and logistics got her the job. She even got her requested part-time schedule. The hiring manager of a law firm reported hiring a woman in her mid-80s as a file clerk and wrote, “She is as sharp as a tack and comes to work prepared…Her presence in the office has affected other staff in a positive way; they are kinder and more patient.” A female in her 70s was let go from her position as executive vice president of a large hotel company. In turn, she launched her own business with two partners. Her message is, “Amazing women who are feeling rejected: Know that life still goes on and there is great energy if you have the fortitude to push through the rejection.” A new client indicated she and her team had more energy than Millennials he knows.
Not all experiences were positive. A frustrated employer was unsuccessful in finding “senior/mature” candidates for management and account payable positions. A 64-year-old woman also was frustrated. She felt that the millennial and Generation X individuals who interviewed her were aged-biased and always hired younger people for the positions.
Exercise: We received many inspiring stories. A two-year survivor of lymphoma continued training during the pandemic. Having competed in many weight-lifting meets in his 70s, he went on to win the American Masters Weightlifting competition setting two records for the men’s competition—at age 91. A 73-year-old retired Green Beret man bench-pressed 225 pounds. And then there is the exercise regime of a 76-year-old man: strength training three times a week consisting of deadlifts, squats and bench press, and a 1.5-mile walk with his wife each morning. An 80-year-old man plans to walk the L.A. marathon. Several readers in their 70s identified their favorite exercise: pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in America, for all ages. Clearly, not all of us can be so accomplished for a host of reasons, but most of us can move.
Emergency responses: Several readers applauded the Apple Watch for its emergency response system. When the mother of an 84-year-old reader fell, it was within seconds that her Apple Watch called 911 and sent a text to her children. Another writer suggested I did a great disservice by suggesting home modification, technology and assistive devices as ways to prevent falls. He indicated that instead, I should have emphasized strength and endurance training. Here’s the reality: Both are important.
Gratitude and hope: “The upside of aging is sunrises, sunsets, taking a walk, listening to my surroundings, enjoying time with my wife of 51 years and having a great family,” writes a Vietnam veteran with health issues from Agent Orange. At age 79, he is grateful to have another day on earth to make a positive difference. A reader sent her 70-year-old mother the column highlighting Angela Lansbury, Betty White and others. The mother referred to these women as “awesome,” and hopes to live to be 100.
Memoirs: This was a popular column. A 78-year-old author of two novels decided after reading the column his next book would be a memoir. I received notice of a reader’s current memoir of his life as an undercover intelligence operative, an international trader and a jazz musician. Another reported he just completed a 400-page memoir while another reader was motivated to write a memoir of his parents growing up in Denmark during World War II. He wanted his children to understand life without indoor plumbing, showers or hot water and the experience of getting a first television and refrigerator. He asked me if this would be boring? My answer: Definitely not.
Bits and pieces: In a column about the concept of happiness throughout history, a reader pointed out I omitted the Judeo-Christian influence. Good correction. Another prompted a question I could not answer: Why did someone’s 97-year-old mother in assistive living receive a jury notice? Another reader suggested to the woman who needed a dog sitter while she had a medical procedure to contact her veterinarian. I have had requests to reprint columns in various newsletters and offers to print other people’s works in my column.
So, dear readers, despite the pandemic, your questions and suggestions have made this year full, rich and enlightening. Thank you for sharing your challenges, victories and wisdom. I am honored to be part of your life. To the best of my ability, I will continue to provide you with the most recent information, research and perspectives on aging. And occasionally a bit of opinion and personal experience will be thrown in for good measure.
To each of you – good health, joy and successful aging and always be good to yourself and others.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging, employment and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulagingCommunity
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October 31, 2021 at 09:49PM
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Successful Aging at 20: What readers had to say about getting older - LA Daily News
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