Looking for a Diamond Career?

Careers featuring seasoned citizen populationsare not only rewarding, but necessary. By 2030 Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) will be 65 years old or beyond. Referred to as a “gray tsunami,” I prefer my terms, seasoned citizens or beyonders. Individuals currently 65 can expect to live 2 decades more, on average, beyond the expectations of many. Life expectancy at age 65 is rising due to better health care. U.S. Census Bureau reporting tracks life expectancy at 65 from 11.9 years (1900) to 19.1 years (2010). By 2023 this number for females reached 20.7 years and for males, 18.2 years. In Japan, life expectancy years for those 65+ are even higher for these aging diamonds.  

March is “Careers in Aging Month,” hosted by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) to raise awareness about the variety of careers available in elder care with the growing seasoned citizen population. Consider some possibilities:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a need for medical health managers increasing by 29% by 2033.
• Social service jobs in senior-living centers are critical on many levels. Some positions require specialized training with certifications; however, low pay is problematic. I recently met a young caretaker who relies on her husband’s paycheck.  
• Family mediators skilled in guiding difficult elder care conversations and end-of-life issues are game-changers.
• Recreational therapists (including music therapists and art therapists), as well as fitness instructors, are increasingly in demand. Bodymind exercise is one of the best ways for seasoned citizens to prevent cognitive decline.
• Financial money managers who help family members and/or guardians plan for extended care are helpful.
• Technology experts who coach seasoned citizens about cell phone and laptop usage are essential. Scams are increasing and this population is at a higher risk.
• Aging-in-place consultants may be next-in-demand, as many Baby Boomers wish to stay in their own homes as they embrace aging bodies.
• Educators and mentors may enlarge careers to provide elder classes. Education levels are increasing; among those 65+ in 1965, 5% had 4 or more years of college. In 2023 this education level comprised 33% of the 65+ population. Many are lifelong learners.
• Entrepreneurs who work in some aspect of elder care may find 65+ folks an untapped population.

.  Whether you are looking for a career involving seasoned citizens or not, here are questions to ask yourself:

• If you did something completely different in your work life, what would it be?
• What is your unofficial resume?
• What do you really care about, and why?
• What would you do in life if you knew you could not fail?

Perhaps you are an aging diamond – 65 or beyond, still sparkling, questioning traditional retirement. Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin has a term for folks who keep working — “unretirement.” He cites between 25% and 40% of retirees as reentering the workforce. Are you one of them?

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

480. What is your plan for your future years?

481. How is your navigation going if you already are in the 65+ starship?