Yes, it's common for 65+ year olds to work part time jobs these days, sometimes more than 1, in order to afford the ridiculous cost of living. My bills alone are over $500 more today, for the same things, as they were 4 years ago, thanks to inflation. How it affects one's physical and mental health is secondary to paying the bills.
Hi mwolfe - you didn't elaborate your reason for asking this question and that would really help....care to kindly explain why you ask??
Are you asking about a family member of yours who is in this role...or are you just noticing random elderly security guards ...or your interest in hiring someone over the age of 65? What is your concern??
Everyone needs to learn, inasmuch as possible, the basics of using a computer.
"Oh, that's for you young folks!" "My daughter will figure it out for me, she's good with computers." "I don't need a computer. I do just fine."
You can hardly make a doctor's appointment or fill out their endless forms without a computer. You can access medical records, such as imaging, with a computer. You don't have to go to the food store at all if you can order with a computer. You can shop Goodwill, order a restaurant meal, buy shoes, order medical supplies with a computer. You can do online meetings with family and friends using Zoom on a computer. You can attend a funeral on a computer if the church of funeral home streams it. You can go to an HOA board meeting on a computer without ever showing up in person (and for those of you on HOA boards, for heaven's sake, start streaming everything so we can fast-forward through the meetings that you make so boring). You can buy a house sight unseen with a computer - I did and it's great. You can buy a fancy ring with a computer - I did and it's exactly what I'd hoped. You can arrange medical equipment delivery - no leaving your home care relative to run to the med supply store. You are a much more efficient and helpful caregiver if you know how to use a computer.
LEARN TO USE A COMPUTER. Just as your relatives don't deserve to have to do everything hands-on for you when you get sick, they don't deserve to have to run over to your house every time you can't figure out how to order dad's catheters online.
Totally agree, I was very stubborn about it for years. Then when covid came and the only way to make an appointment was through the computer/phone. I'm like ok I gotta learn this crap for my own good. Honestly you can't do much of anything without it anymore. My husband's been bad about it too. I'm like someone in this house needs to so I have learned some.
And now when my husband ask me something random, that I don't know I say to him "no clue why don't you look it yup." Cuz I'm tired of doing it all. I have noticed he is starting to look things up without asking me.
And learning anything is the best thing for brain health
Ummmmm 65 is not ancient. And I would think much of physical and mental strains would depend upon the venue. Big difference from security at let's say a bank and a nigh club.
Of course it's common. You are only as old as you feel, and thankfully most seniors don't feel their age and choose to continue to work either full or part-time. And I say...good for them!!! And I believe the affect on their physical and mental health would all be positive as they are still serving a purpose and doing something they enjoy. Not sure what this has to do with caregiving, but I answered it anyway.
Oh... and P. S. and by the way...I will be turning 65 in August this year and I am FAR from being "elderly." Just FYI.
I have friends who are 75 still working full-time. My GFs DH will be 75 and still working. If they are happy, why not. Most Security Guards do not carry guns. They are usually in plain clothes walking the store looking for shoplifters ect. They call in the police.
65 is not old. Your not elderly at 65, I am almost 75 and don't feel I am elderly. At one time an employer could require an employee to retire at 65. No more. To make someone retire now, you have to prove they are not able to do the job.
I think that question should perhaps be asked of the elderly security guard. I am not certain of your own age, but you are talking of someone about my own daughter's age, and wow, she would be PERFECTLY capable of a bit of "Law and Order".
Many security folk are retired military and retired police or sheriff forces who, I think, enjoy keeping a hand in. The ones at my local stores (and SF is pretty big on security in store) are quite nice, seem fit and capable. As most are advised not really to interact a whole lot with perpetrators, but to protect, shield, call for help, bring a bit of order, they are not often injured here.
I suspect some like to keep their hand in, some like the benefit of working for some extra supplemental cash, and some need a job and have applied because qualified. Many of them are free to chat a bit; why not ask. I ask employees all the time a brief question and always get kind answers (but then I am 81 and they can say I am a bit dotty). For instance I often ask if they get good insurance, like their company, etc. The classic true lovers of their company for me so far? Trader Joe.
First comment.. I shudder at reading "elderly citizens over 65" ...thanks for that downer 🤣 If a person is physically and mentally able to work at any age I think they should be able to work if they wish to or if they have to. Keeping active, having a purpose to getting up in the morning is important.
I suppose the only problem I might have is this... As we get older our reaction time does slow. I would hope that a "security guard" has fast reaction time. And are we talking a person that is standing by a door working what might be called "loss control" or are we talking about an armed security guard?
In any case I think if a person wants to work or has to work they should be able to do any job that they are qualified to do. But I am sure employers have regulations that they have to follow if a corporate policy is that a person 65 and above can not work security they should be able to find another job that the person would qualify for.
We are in a labor shortage and the less attractive (mostly PT) jobs are being taken by retirees who are not ready to stop working but are happy to be done with their prior careers. "Second career" is a thing.
I have my eye on an a position at an incredible plant/flower nursery that has been in our community for decades (it's in the middle of a residential neighborhood). Hanging out surrounded by rows and rows of gorgeous and fragrant flowers? Peacefully watering and tending in a drama-free environment and getting paid? Where do I apply?!
Or, maybe a stint at the Apple Store, where I have often seen many women my age and older as tech helpers.
I see lots of senior citizens working and I believe it's because 35 and younger think they are to good to show up for work everyday and actually work. So they provide an opportunity for our seniors to earn extra income and have a purpose.
Our city is going to be in trouble when our seniors are to old to work, because the above will still be true, so no able person to fill the position.
That is not true . Not all young people don’t want to work . My kids can’t wait for the boomers above them who can no longer do their jobs effectively to retire so there is room for them to advance and earn more money .
My daughter in particular complains constantly about her own tasks being interrupted often because she is helping older employees do their jobs ( making 3X as much money as her ) who can not grasp using newer computer systems. It’s so bad she has actually started logging how much time away from her own job to help these people over and over again with the same issues and they never learn . And she dealt with similar in her previous job , was a big reason why she changed jobs .
Its predicted that the next generation will jot live as long. Drugs, processed foods and fast food will get them. Americans are not healthy people. Our children are not active. I see the majority of the high school kids are obese. And if they are thin in HS, they balloon up in College.
There are a lot of young elderly people working. I do it. Unfortunately, social security only pays a portion of your salary. The pension from my job is laughable. I got booted from my job at sixty-two when the pandemic hit. Many employers acted badly during that time and decided to clean house. So, many of us found ourselves jobless. So, I've been working on and off but nothing permanent. I do enjoy the freedom, but I would like a steady paycheck again.
Now I'm not a security guard - but to give you some context - I have been working for my company for almost 30 years - started while I was still in college.
One of my colleagues is MY MOTHER'S age. My mom has been retired a number of years. My colleague is incredibly sharp, very knowledgeable and I'm trying to absorb as much of that knowledge as I can - because when she does decide to retire - it will be a major impact.
Now, she doesn't HAVE to continue working. She just says that she loves our job and wants to continue to work.
That being said - there are plenty of people who continue to work after 65 because they have to. For a number of reasons - cost of living, little (or no) retirement savings, something happened to their retirement savings (maybe a divorce where they had to split their retirement fund, or maybe they paid a penalty to cash it out for an urgent reason,
It is sad to me that anyone who has put years into the workforce can't retire if they want to.
How does it affect their physical and mental health? Well I suppose that depends on if they like their job, if they have to vs want to continue to work, if working is worth it to them, if they see value in their work and a whole host of other things.
Just like with anyone else who works - frankly if you hate your job and it is sucking the life out of you - it doesn't matter how old you are - that is going to impact your physical and mental health.
I see tons of greeters at Walmart and they are usually over 65 and wanted some way to get out of the house and keep active. I see some security guards where I work - who are not really responsible for physically securing people so much as walking the property and checking for cars that are illegally parked, helping during fire drills, making a security presence known. Some of them have been here for years and know the property better than most. They aren't going to pull a weapon in a crisis - they would call 911. So most of the job is just about being active and walking the property (or sitting behind a desk and checking in visitors) and something they can do for a few hours a day (or even full time) without too much stress.
Continuing to work - or have some focus outside of your home that keeps you on a regular schedule - is actually a fantastic way for seniors to stay healthy. Volunteering, part time jobs, travel, senior center activities - are all great ways for someone to stay healthy and active in their golden years.
My DH hates what his job has evolved into after a number of reorgs. He says he wants to retire ( it’s too soon ) . But he won’t leave and get a different job either because he is building up his pension . He’s been there going on 30 years. He’s also trying to stay under the radar as much as he can . The last 5 years or so they seem to like to let go of some of the older employees with pensions at about age 60. DH will be 59 next week . Anyone hired at this company after 2007 does not have a pension . DH is one of the few left with a pension . Not recently , but they have asked to buy out his pension with a lump some . DH said no way , the amount they offered was low .
I guarantee when my DH “ retires “ it MAY last a few months and he will find a part time job. . He says NO , but I know him , he will be bored to tears . He also keeps talking about potential part time jobs he thinks he would enjoy . 😀😀
Working in your senior years is good for people most gives them a purpose in life, there not just sitting around watching life pass you by, being lonely and depressed can effect your health a lot more.. 65 isn't that old anymore.
Are you asking about a family member of yours who is in this role...or are you just noticing random elderly security guards ...or your interest in hiring someone over the age of 65? What is your concern??
If they can do the job, why not? A lot of retired cops do security work. Same thing with doing private investigation work after they leave the force.
"Oh, that's for you young folks!"
"My daughter will figure it out for me, she's good with computers."
"I don't need a computer. I do just fine."
You can hardly make a doctor's appointment or fill out their endless forms without a computer. You can access medical records, such as imaging, with a computer. You don't have to go to the food store at all if you can order with a computer. You can shop Goodwill, order a restaurant meal, buy shoes, order medical supplies with a computer. You can do online meetings with family and friends using Zoom on a computer. You can attend a funeral on a computer if the church of funeral home streams it. You can go to an HOA board meeting on a computer without ever showing up in person (and for those of you on HOA boards, for heaven's sake, start streaming everything so we can fast-forward through the meetings that you make so boring). You can buy a house sight unseen with a computer - I did and it's great. You can buy a fancy ring with a computer - I did and it's exactly what I'd hoped. You can arrange medical equipment delivery - no leaving your home care relative to run to the med supply store. You are a much more efficient and helpful caregiver if you know how to use a computer.
LEARN TO USE A COMPUTER. Just as your relatives don't deserve to have to do everything hands-on for you when you get sick, they don't deserve to have to run over to your house every time you can't figure out how to order dad's catheters online.
And now when my husband ask me something random, that I don't know I say to him "no clue why don't you look it yup." Cuz I'm tired of doing it all. I have noticed he is starting to look things up without asking me.
And learning anything is the best thing for brain health
And I say...good for them!!!
And I believe the affect on their physical and mental health would all be positive as they are still serving a purpose and doing something they enjoy.
Not sure what this has to do with caregiving, but I answered it anyway.
Oh... and P. S. and by the way...I will be turning 65 in August this year and I am FAR from being "elderly." Just FYI.
65 is not old. Your not elderly at 65, I am almost 75 and don't feel I am elderly. At one time an employer could require an employee to retire at 65. No more. To make someone retire now, you have to prove they are not able to do the job.
I am not certain of your own age, but you are talking of someone about my own daughter's age, and wow, she would be PERFECTLY capable of a bit of "Law and Order".
Many security folk are retired military and retired police or sheriff forces who, I think, enjoy keeping a hand in. The ones at my local stores (and SF is pretty big on security in store) are quite nice, seem fit and capable. As most are advised not really to interact a whole lot with perpetrators, but to protect, shield, call for help, bring a bit of order, they are not often injured here.
I suspect some like to keep their hand in, some like the benefit of working for some extra supplemental cash, and some need a job and have applied because qualified.
Many of them are free to chat a bit; why not ask. I ask employees all the time a brief question and always get kind answers (but then I am 81 and they can say I am a bit dotty). For instance I often ask if they get good insurance, like their company, etc. The classic true lovers of their company for me so far? Trader Joe.
I shudder at reading "elderly citizens over 65" ...thanks for that downer 🤣
If a person is physically and mentally able to work at any age I think they should be able to work if they wish to or if they have to.
Keeping active, having a purpose to getting up in the morning is important.
I suppose the only problem I might have is this...
As we get older our reaction time does slow. I would hope that a "security guard" has fast reaction time. And are we talking a person that is standing by a door working what might be called "loss control" or are we talking about an armed security guard?
In any case I think if a person wants to work or has to work they should be able to do any job that they are qualified to do. But I am sure employers have regulations that they have to follow if a corporate policy is that a person 65 and above can not work security they should be able to find another job that the person would qualify for.
I have my eye on an a position at an incredible plant/flower nursery that has been in our community for decades (it's in the middle of a residential neighborhood). Hanging out surrounded by rows and rows of gorgeous and fragrant flowers? Peacefully watering and tending in a drama-free environment and getting paid? Where do I apply?!
Or, maybe a stint at the Apple Store, where I have often seen many women my age and older as tech helpers.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2024/04/26/a-seniors-guide-to-finding-a-rewarding-side-hustle/?sh=5ce73db377b7
Our city is going to be in trouble when our seniors are to old to work, because the above will still be true, so no able person to fill the position.
My daughter in particular complains constantly about her own tasks being interrupted often because she is helping older employees do their jobs ( making 3X as much money as her ) who can not grasp using newer computer systems.
It’s so bad she has actually started logging how much time away from her own job to help these people over and over again with the same issues and they never learn . And she dealt with similar in her previous job , was a big reason why she changed jobs .
Mentally , just like any of us , if you like your job that’s good .
One of my colleagues is MY MOTHER'S age. My mom has been retired a number of years. My colleague is incredibly sharp, very knowledgeable and I'm trying to absorb as much of that knowledge as I can - because when she does decide to retire - it will be a major impact.
Now, she doesn't HAVE to continue working. She just says that she loves our job and wants to continue to work.
That being said - there are plenty of people who continue to work after 65 because they have to. For a number of reasons - cost of living, little (or no) retirement savings, something happened to their retirement savings (maybe a divorce where they had to split their retirement fund, or maybe they paid a penalty to cash it out for an urgent reason,
It is sad to me that anyone who has put years into the workforce can't retire if they want to.
How does it affect their physical and mental health? Well I suppose that depends on if they like their job, if they have to vs want to continue to work, if working is worth it to them, if they see value in their work and a whole host of other things.
Just like with anyone else who works - frankly if you hate your job and it is sucking the life out of you - it doesn't matter how old you are - that is going to impact your physical and mental health.
I see tons of greeters at Walmart and they are usually over 65 and wanted some way to get out of the house and keep active. I see some security guards where I work - who are not really responsible for physically securing people so much as walking the property and checking for cars that are illegally parked, helping during fire drills, making a security presence known. Some of them have been here for years and know the property better than most. They aren't going to pull a weapon in a crisis - they would call 911. So most of the job is just about being active and walking the property (or sitting behind a desk and checking in visitors) and something they can do for a few hours a day (or even full time) without too much stress.
Continuing to work - or have some focus outside of your home that keeps you on a regular schedule - is actually a fantastic way for seniors to stay healthy. Volunteering, part time jobs, travel, senior center activities - are all great ways for someone to stay healthy and active in their golden years.
I guarantee when my DH “ retires “ it MAY last a few months and he will find a part time job. . He says NO , but I know him , he will be bored to tears . He also keeps talking about potential part time jobs he thinks he would enjoy . 😀😀
Are you asking for yourself, your husband?
Working in your senior years is good for people most gives them a purpose in life, there not just sitting around watching life pass you by, being lonely and depressed can effect your health a lot more.. 65 isn't that old anymore.