Job Termination
Why do boomers refuse to retire?Older workers are increasingly tech-savvy and they're returning to the workforce in droves -- because they want to, new research says. |
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 [ 2007-11-28 ] |
Retired Worker, a Toronto-based company that operates an employment website specifically for retired people across North America who want to work on a part-time, temporary or casual basis, says the number of older workers looking for full-time work has tripled in a year.
In its fourth annual survey on older workers, Retired Worker says results indicate a continuing shift in work trends for the 50-years-plus demographic.
"In 2006, just over 11% of respondents said they were looking for permanent, full-time employment. This year, that percentage has increased to more than 35%," says Sarah Welstead, managing director and co-founder of Retired Worker.
She said the shift can be attributed to a change in perception by both older job seekers and society.
"Less than 20% say they have to work for financial reasons, so we're seeing an increase in the number of older workers who return to the workforce after retirement simply because they want to," Welstead says.
"At the same time, the increasing acceptance of older workers in the workplace, and media emphasis on 'hip baby boomers' rather than 'senior citizens,' means that 50-plus job seekers feel like they have more options -- including returning to the workforce on a full-time basis."
The survey's summary says that more people than ever before are reporting that they are fully retired from their full-time career, yet they're looking for employment.
"A significant number of people looking for work are looking for work that is the right 'fit' for them; whether that's a job in a specific field, or a job with increased flexibility in hours," states the report.
"While the number of respondents who are looking for work to pay for non-essential purchases like travelling for pleasure; to learn new skills; or just to 'keep busy' has increased from the previous year, the numbers looking for work to meet basic living expenses has stayed the same," the report continues. "Women aged 55 to 59 are more likely than any other gender or age segment to fall into this category, often as a result of the early death of a spouse."
The survey also found that older workers are becoming more high-tech in increasing numbers.
"More than 80% have high-speed Internet access, 88% have their own computer and 5% have Blackberrys," Welstead says. "What's most significant to us is that more than 65% say they spend more than five hours per week on the Internet -- so the notion of people over 50 not being tech-savvy is more of a myth than ever."
For full results of the survey, or for more information on Retired Worker, visit the company's website at www.retiredworker.ca.
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