Working After 50: Worry-free or Worrisome?

I’m 58 years old and working in a job I love but in a company I hate with a passion. The boss is an obnoxious 35 years old that hates old people. Bosses like this should not be allowed to run a company. All day long I walk around on eggshells hoping I’m not the next one to be laid off.

Our retiree medical has just exceeded $1400. per month while at the same time the coverage continues to drop and the deductibles increase. As walmart drives more and more jobs out of the USA we are going to have more people who worked for 30 years+ with no coverage. We need to continue to write our Congressmen and continue to hound them about putting a stop to what walmart is doing plus working out a reasonable coverage for all legal citizens

I just turned 81years'young' and am still working in a retail store.I need the income to keep paying my lot rent (I live in a mobile home park)and car insurance, and other utilities. My employer seems to be quite understanding of my age.It's getting harder to work as I'm having health problems

I am 51 years old and just started working again after being laid off 7 months ago. Three of those months I spent caring for my 78 year old father. He went back home, but now I am looking at having to become his legal guardian in order to protect him because he really can't take total care of himself and is being taken advantage by other unscrupulous family members. How I will do that with a fulltime job that I need, I don't really know, but I am doing my homework b/c that can't go on for much longer.

I work because I still have to and hope that I can keep this job for the 10 years required for early retirement (I hear you laughing!). I got married at 19, divorced at 26, raised 4 children by myself, never remarried or completed college. I managed to get jobs that kepts us afloat, but never any that really afforded me the opportunity to save for the later years or I would have to use the money during times of long unemployment - and I have faced two periods lasting over a year. Now that my children are all grown and gone, I am hoping that I can accelerate some retirement savings for myself.

I do happen to love what I am doing - managing a hospice care office, so doing it for 10 years does not seem like drudgery to me. What I have also been doing is slowly building a business that hopefully I can "retire" to running fulltime in 10 years and move on from there.

Like most of my peers, I feel the age discrimination and know well the concerns of having no health insurance - this job is the first job w/insurance that I have had in 4 years!!! Even though people easily mistake me for about 10 years younger, choosing not to dye my gray was not a plus with prospective employers. When the comment about my hair being beautiful was made, I learned I would not only not hear back from those folks, I'd never be able to leave more than a message and the person taking the message would never know if the position had been filled or not. Either that or you resist the urge to cringe when the interviewer starts to "compliment" you on your "extensive" background (especially if you know you were working long before they knew how to spell or define the word). But faith and pounding the pavement prevailed and I am working again.

Fortunately, I live is a rural area and was able to get decent medical care at an affordable cost even on unemployment. I am on thyroid medication for life and have to be tested every few months to keep my dosage correct. The dr would allow me to come in for the blood test alone, pay only for the blood test; then come back within a month for an office visit and pay for only that - it helped, because then I could manage his reduced costs for non insured patients by having the costs broken up. Thank God I never had any other major health problems or illnesses during that time. But I always knew that even one emergency room visit or a minor illness including a hospital stay or needing prlonged outpatient care could set me back or do me in big time financially.

Something really needs to be done, because I continue to notice that the people I know personally affected the greatest by this "no health insurance dilemna - or shoudl I say epidemic" are hard working (or used to be), modest living, frugal people. They are not financially irresponsible people reaping the fruits of careless living ( and even they are entitled to decent health care). They are people who have made wise choices and handle(d) their money well, it's just that one thing or series of things, realting to health care or prevention, that is now wreaking havoc in their lives.

I'm on my representative's mailing list, receive his newsletter and write him often about things that concern me - like this - and urge him to get involved and support it. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't, but I try to always do my part, keep abreast with latest on the issues of concern and share with others to educate and encourage their involvement. I also include young(er) people in that educate/encourage process because many have never pratically thought through the entire life cyle or aging process to appreciate and even look forward to being where we are. We need to inspire them to join us so that things will not only get better for us, but for them and their children as well.

A word of advice to Libra 58 - DOCUMENT!!! If you truly feel that your manager will try to get rid you b/c of your age, then keep good records of everything: your attendance, reviews, projects you work on, your rolle/contribution to to the end results; work you are complimented for (like people sending you thank you emails, etc.), conflicts: the issue, those involved and how it was resolved. That way you may have some recourse should you be fired just for your age, ie, you can show/prove the only thing that disqualified you for your job was your age. You may even need it to fight eligibility for an unemployment claim if you are fired- serious!

I am 58 years old and have been downzized. My former employer is a large corporation with great benefits and good salaries. Long before the downsize occured many of us (ages 48 to 62)saw it coming so we suggested to "job-share" because it could be reasonably done and we were willing to accept the financial impact and lost holidays while maintaining medical insurance. In the end (12) lost jobs, (2) remainded to carry on. However, it is important to note that while the company said they would not allow job-sharing, it was practiced on a small scale for a group of young mothers.

Being 55 and 57, we will most likely have to work "Till Death Do We Part".
We have done every thing possiably right, just some really bad things can @ do happen to good people.
Down sized, Company sold us to a really lousey other company, who could care less of their employees.
Lost most enery thing in the sell, but due to 30 years with old Co. we were able to get back the old health insurance at a premium price of course. But had to go a head and draw reduced pension, to get this coverage.
The new companies coverage was just ridiculas in coverage,actually it did not cover..
However now when this new company cuts back, and does often, we cannot draw our unemployement. We get $600.00 a month before taxes with pension, $400.00 goes to insurance. So how does one live on whats left?
Why is it, we work 40 hrs. a week for over 30 years and longer and we do not even qualify for reduced unemployement. We do not want a free ride, but, jobs are scarce around here.
We are sure there are a lot of older adults who work full time, pay there taxes, not ready for SS, but may have small pensions, and then not to be able to draw umemployement??
We are sure an illegal, would get what ever asistance they may need.
What is our gov. thinking? Of their own pockets, of course....

A very bad divorce made it necessary for me to find employment instead of working at home as a pianist and teacher. I've been teaching school for the last 9 years and expect to continue until I can't. My daughter has to go to college and her father won't contribute anything. I've had a number of illnesses over the years and don't dare live without health insurance, and it will be another 6 years until I qualify for Medicare. I've taught in several schools and all of them have done their best to get rid of me by making my work situation difficult. Fortunately I teach math and my skills always seems to be needed, however reluctant my employers may be. I would love to retire from teaching, as my job is very hard and the administration hostile, but it is impossible. Too many years as a self-employed person have left me with no retirement and few Social Security credits.

My brother's job downsized, leaving him unemployed for the past year and a half. He was there for over 30 years and is now 58 years old. He was a former plant manager working a 40 hour week, with good benefits and great pay. Of course, now that most manufacturing jobs have either disappeared or gone overseas, it has been impossible to find a job that could use his skills and in the world of reality his age does not help. It's easy to get a job at home depot or Walmart at that age but nobody wants to hire someone at his age when they can get someone with similar skills, and younger, willing to work for much less. At that age you have achieved a certain standard of living and it cannont be maintained on department store jobs low wages, not to mention few if any benefits and no healthcare. Foreign trade and its policies will be our undoing as a nation.

You may believe that it is always a win-win situation for employers and older employees to work beyond their retirement years, but what about those people that just want to enjoy their retirement in a leisurely way - as it is meant to be? I should have the choice as to whether I want to work beyond retirement, work should not be a necessity. I don't feel that it should be my responsibility to bail out a social security system that the government has economically crippled. I have already done so with every increasing dollar I have to contribute to my 401(k) account. Therefore, let's be truthful about work after retirement. I think you'll find a large population of people would not choose to work, nor should they be required to do so just to survive.

Currently I am out of work and in necessity of needing work.

but i do find ageism-prejudice prevalent out there in the work forces of Los Angeles, where everyone is suppose to be flawless, 21 yrs old, blonde and look like a playboy model.

Never mind 50. At 40 you are called "a gray hair" (even if you don't have gray hair) at 40!!!!! You old and discarded in this town. And not for just work.. for dating too. then you hit 50 and your insurance company jacks up the rates so when you are about to cash in on all the years you paid out to them, they wont have to pay you a single dime, cuz now you can not afford to keep the plan! Cuz you are paying a COBRA fee which is a very high expense for someone who LOST their job!!!

it is a very sad sad situation here in Los Angeles.

The last job I did have, I hated every single day I was there. It was thankless, offered no growth and these were the most miserable years of my entire life. All it was about was exchanging hours of my life for very small amounts of cash to have a little security as to a roof over my head, food in my belly and gas money to get there.

The people I worked for were toxic, unappreciative, condescending and narcissistic.

The sedentariness and unhappiness manifested into an illness landing me in a surgery and state of disability and in a neck brace for 2 1/2 months. Losing my job, having to accept the over priced COBRA plan which was hiked up $200 a month once I turned 50.

So what do you do in this situation? You sacrifice your health insurance because they have now successfully depleted my entire savings account and now I have nothing for my future years.

I am in debt to my surgeon for $40,000. and that did not include his anesthesiologist or the hospital bed or the blood work!!! So now my credit is screwed...

I say bah-humbug to scientists working so hard to extend life - what the heck for? it is not like the elderly are anything more than a burden, invisible and a way for some rest home organizations capitalize by lobotomizing you - if they get their claws on you in a rest home - then just dope you up enough to not be a legal liability and then they proceed to try to get the last of your social security money...IF any money is even left for you at all.

oh yeah ... and my landlord.. he too has made attempts to get me out of my place because I have been here long enough in a rent control building that he tries to get me on every little thing so he can jack up his rental income. I can not afford to go anywhere else.. the rents are so out of control in this town... there is nowhere left to go, so all in all I am a prisoner here out of necessity as well.

SAD SAD SAD

What a life! what a system. SAD SAD SAD

Yes, I am still working and loving it at 66.
I've been an RN since 1962 and always worked, even part time, when the children were young. I worked opposite hours of my husbands, so the kids were taken care of, not nessecarily the marriage. I retired in 2003 from my NYS job, and very fortunately had health insurance to tie me over until Medicare. Now I am working part time for a not for profit agency providing services for non-insured, homeless alcoholics and drug addicts. It is very complicated to arrange services for these patients. I am grateful for what I have, and enjoy my work. My pension, Soc. Sec. and income are plenty sufficient for my modest life style. My worry however is, long-term health insurance. In 2001 + 2005 I had total hip replacements, for a condition called osteonecrosis, (AVN).I rcovered fine, am very active, biking, kayaking, sailing, walking, hiking, etc. Two insurance copanies rejected my applications because of the aforementioned surgeries. Since joint replacements are such common procedures these days, are all of the applicants rejected?
My only choice is, to save as much as I can, in case I become disabled in the future.
PS, since there is a nursing shortage, I think we RN's can work for a long time. My employer has no problem with senior employees.

My husband and I are both 60 and have been working for 40+ yers. Currently, I get medical benefits for both of us. Still, co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, uncovered services, etc., can mount up, so one serious illness can wipe out our savings, even with health insurance. Our needs are small and simple, but I continue working. The fear is too great.

Yes I had retirement medical when I hired on - 25 yrs ago. Not they have taken it away. I was set to retire at 55, now I can't! Just not fair

I am trying to find affordable rent apartment-housing in the district of columbia. I am 52, disabled on long term disbility with a fixed monthly income. What resources are available?

I AM ALSO 58 YEARS OLD AND SEMI-RETIRED. I HAVE NEVER WORKED FOR ANYONE IN MY LIFE. I DO NOT LIKE MY CURRENT PROFESSION (COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT)

ANY IDEAS??

CURT K. MCKEAN

At age 64 I retired for 30 days. Almost lost my mind. I went to work at one of our local resturants as a casher and I begin to study computer programming. At age 67 two bad luck events hit me. The resturant closed and I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I had surgery to remove the cancer, but as luck would have it some of the cells ended up in my bladder. However, my luck turned around when the technical college offered me a part-time job as a computer application instructor. That was ten years ago. I'm now working with one of our local school districts as a computer instructor in their adult ed. program and after much treatment I believe that we have the cancer in remission. The dark side is that even with the part-time job I don't have enough money to buy the necessary Rx that I need to keep myself healthy. My doctor understands and where he can he will write a prescription for the generic medication which I buy at Wal~mart for $4.00 per month, per medication. (Thank God for Wal~Mart).

Just don't seem right. I spent a life time helping the physically, and mentally handicaped get the treatment, and arranging and providing the necessary training for them to get a job. Those who could not go into industrial employment, we provided employment in our sheltered workshops. And now people like me can't get the prescribed medication that we need to keep ourselves active and working.

I am 50+ and I took a cut in pay to help my mother with my dad. I got into a very, very bad job situation. I recieved very bad training (pushed from one coworker to another. I had to beg to be trained, please Diane come back later, I am busy now. I have worked many years and have never been treated like this. I have been screamed at, hit on the head and I went to my union but the woman would not help me. Also, I am a full time caregiver for my elderly parents. My sibblings have money and do not help at all. I have been accused of things I would not have dreamed of especially when it came to helping my mother with her checking account. I am about to lose this job ( I feel liberated). I just recently graduated from our local community college and have a split degree of applied science in the areas of office systems technology and legal office systems. I need a friend and a mentor to guide me through the darkest period of my life, HELP.

At the age of 64, I continue to work full time, as an Sr. Administrative Assistant in the health care industry. I've been employed by my company for seven years. Working is by necessity. I was recently widowed; my husband leaving no insurance or retirement savings, due to his many long periods of unemployment and other financial catastrophies in our lives over the years. My only financial resources, now, are my job (salary and major medical insurance benefits) and my home, which is not paid for, and on the market at present. I cannot afford to stay (the mortgage and monthly expenses exceed my income). What little proceeds that may come from the sale of my home will be my only 'nest egg' for the future. By all current measurements and references, I guess you could classify me as "destitute".
My employer prides itself in 'embracing maturity' when it comes to hiring, and especially, retaining employees. For that reason, I plan to remain on the job for as long as I can, at least for another 5 to 7 years! At full retirement age (for me 66), I can take my social security benefit and continue to work without penalty. That will allow for significant monthly savings. Additionally, my employer does contribute a nominal percentage of salary to a pension savings plan, which in 5 years should be fairly substantial. Thus, rolling that into an IRA could be financially helpful for the future. I could certainly use a friend and mentor, as well, to advise and guide me through these seemingly desperate times!

I am 55 and am working. My husband has owned a construction company since 1981. He is about 11 years older than I and is in good health and retired. I had to come to work here because of some things that happened here and I had to take over the Secretarial position. It was a good thing for me, not realizing what the future held/holds. I am diabetic-insulin dependant. I was on my husband's health insurance and when it came time for him to retire I am lucky I have a job here to keep my health insurance going. But I will have †o continue working until I retire. I am lucky I had this work place to come to because I don't know if I could have found another job at my age. I was about 50/51 when I had to take over here as Secretary. As long as this company is still going I will hopefully have my health insurance. Health Care is the reason I am still working.

I'm not sure if any other men of age have been,called names,just because they glanced towards a teenager.At my place of employment
I have been called all kinds of names and by both genders.
As of this past week,I was verbally attacked, security department was notified,and even though I had wittneses,and filled out a report,I was suspended and it looks like I'll
lose my job of 11 years,because a teen female,says I had stared,and whistled. I just don't know who to go to.What is wrong with our young people today? How can any elder feel safe on a job? Does any have anything to contribute,my work told me I need an attorney
is this true,Lost and unemployeed!

I am 61 yrs old and would like to work part time and can work any day accept Friday. I live in Oakdale MN.

Regards.

been retired for 10 months feel like a couch potato spent several hours on computer trying to find work opportunities with no success. I have paid several sites for work possibilities so no luch. WHEN WOULD I GO TO FIND HONEST WORK OPORTUNITIES FOR A RETIRED CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE?

I have a friend who at 60 was told she could no longer lift. Since she was a nurse she had to quit her job and give up her insurance. She was to young to go on social security so she lived on her retirement fund as long as she could. A year after she retired she was told she had cancer of the throat and without surgery she would die. She went on welfare and was able to get a few of the benefits. She only got very few because she was a single person she had out lived two husbands one was a war vet. After working for 47 years she still has got to worry to see if she will be taken off of disability and when whe will get medical benefits. She would like to do something but knows if they find out she is working they will take her off disability. The only thing she can do iswork for someone who will not report her income. This is what a lot of seniors are facing everyday and our government is helping the employers to do this.

I'm 49 and trying to get into medical school. We need laws to protect us and investigators to keep employers and universities honest with their middle-age applicants. I have a friend, 52 years old, who had to go back to school because no one would hire her in spite of her vast knowledge of computer programming. If you're over 40 there IS discrimination going on at all levels.

Dave Tifton's situation is common with those over 50. I have experienced the same thing and even reverse race discrimination. The politicians don't have to wory about retirement as most are well off lawyers, have excelent health benefits and retirement plans as govenrnment employees. So they dont feel the average American's pain with these issues.

This article should be entitled "Working After 70: Necessary for Many."

I just got my annual Social Security statement. My retirement age is 66, based on my dob. However, I am strongly encouraged (financial incentive) to work until I am 70.

In fact, I can keep working after retirement and make up to $33,000+/year without affecting my Social Security payments.

For me, Social Security will be my primary source of income. I have a retirement fund that is only five years old. Last year, I made $40,011 - the most I've ever made.

Unless things change dramatically, I will never stop working full-time.

Or I will pursue other options so I can stop working:

I could move to Mexico where health care is quality and affordable and the cost of living is lower.

I could join a group of progressive women in creating a community of under-funded retirees where we share income/expenses.

I could live with my sister or my son or my daughter.

I could pitch a tent somewhere obscure.

55 and still working, will be until probably 70 because thats what I will need in service years from my union job to retire to make it worth it. Went back to work after kids were almost out of high school.

I have suffered two strokes and I am on disabilty SS.After therapy and with determination,I can get around and I can function. I need to work a few hours a week to help with our mounting bills and to keep as active as possible. The problem is that some days I feel OK and other days I can't function well. What is out there for a person like me? No one wants to hire someone that will not be able to work as scheduled. I have looked in to doing work at home,but most of them are scams or require an investment,which we don't have.
Please advise as to what I can do?

When my husband retired I tried a go at part-time work. However, It was difficult because of the expense in healthcare for us. He had recently had been found to have heart disease and money was an issue. I tried to find full time employment, but the truth was I was 60 years old. No one said I was too old but I know they thought about it. Aging is a hard reality, many see our aging population as a risk. Days off work for illness, and training is for younger individuals with future investment in employment. We want to be active, but our society does not really support us.

My husband has suffered from a very bad llung disease and at 51 is on Social Security disability. I have many chronic health issues and a survivor of stomach cancer. But because I do not want to be poor, I am now enrolled in a class for Medical Transcription. I am 53 years old and worried that although I am a straight A student and doing very well in the class; I will be discriminated against once I graduate. I also have a bachelor degree in Law and Justice. I am very scared. It is terrible to be on a fixed income.

I am working for a company that is closing in 60+ days and I am desperate for a new job. I have a BS in elementary ed. I have interviewed a number of times and make it always to the second round of interviews but, almost always the environment is not senior friendly. Help, desperately need suggestions for a job. Working in a call center environment now. Can handle most any new challenge. Thanks,

I am writing on behalf of my husband who would never write this himself. But I do so to give input for the problems he faces. For 25 years, making decent money and a local union member, he worked for a well known brewery that 15 yrs ago paid over $15. per hour w/full benefits paid by the company...This brewery shut down and moved to another city, not offering employees a chance to go/grow with them. He was even hurt on the job, and his medical bills were paid by the company, but he will never be the same. It left him physically weaker and without skills to take anywhere other than a brewery. So, he got a job as a security guard, making the average $7-8 per hour. After 5 years, he worked his way up to a a supervisory position and made a whopping $9 per hr. Then, due to "foreseeable" verbal abusive management problems, he had to make the decision to leave---his good name was at stake, and he had given his best, even winning awards for best employee. So, now, he finds himself out looking for a job at 60. Still unskilled and not wanting to reapply for another dead end security position, he must take a job. But we fear his age kept him at the bottom of the list. He applied and interviewed at various places, but the only one who seemed interested was the grocery store---stocking cheese and luncheon meats--by the way, the other employees say it is the hardest job in the store. (The oldest guy getting the hardest job!) Having had back surgery 10 years ago, it is painful for him to work...but we need his salary. I also work, but the second, though small salary, is essential for us to make it..and we have no car payments; both of us drive old cars, live in an older house with high dental bills and costly insurance expenses. So, he MUST work...I'm sure he is humbled to start at the bottom again, but he is putting his best "face" on, and doing a good job anyway...because he has to try to be happy that he GOT a job at his age. All of his gifts and talents seem overlooked; I guess that is the plight of an older worker who did not fall into professional "heaven" or the retirement security that comes with it. Good thing he has a great disposition! It helps the spirit, but not the sore and achy back!

After working for a bank for 31 years, I was let go because my job was phased out because of a merger. I told them that no mattered what the policy stated age and racial discrimination were practiced at our establishment. I found it hard to believe that there was not a job there that a 57 year old, college graduate with a Master's degree could do. Fortunately I was given severance but I am now starting a new job in order to prepare myself to pay back student loans for two children who are in college. In our youth obsessed society, it does not matter that you were a stellar performer for 31 years. The bottom line is to save money by releasing those of us who were loyal to an establishment who in the end, cast you aside like garbage.

Correction: The sentence should read, "I told them that no matter what the policy states..."
I guess I was experiencing anger issues.

I retired on disability. I have to work because all of my savings, 401K and stock was eaten up by my illness. Because I'm on Social Security Disability, I can work; but I am limited as to how much I can make. I have been audited by the SSA and have been deemed over-employed because my employer paid me every two weeks instead of twice of month. With the rising cost of gasoline and cost of my Medicare I have to work.
By the way, I can not use my Medicare for anything and I'am presently paying close to $100.00 a month for services that don't apply to me and can't use unless I go into the hospital.
I planned for retirement, but did not plan for such a serious illness that I would be left with all of my back-up to be gone.
ann

My husband and I are both retired. I am 65 and my husband Russ is 71. We both must work just to be able to pay our bills.We work together as independent distributors and make enough to pay our supplement insurance and some of our other bills.We like working, because it keeps us active.We have been told that we are their best distributors, and all others are younger.

No I am not still working, and at 52 yrs old, I am not so sure if someone will hire me now, or in the future. My problem seems to be the fact that I am no longer judged on my work experience, but my credit history. I divorced a few years back, and now since I have lost my job over a year ago, no one will hire me. At first I thought it was due to my age, but I know it is due to my credit report. I guess they think I am going to extort money from them. Although my background came back with absolutely nothing on a criminal check, and a few pages on a credit check, I have been black balled from working, for having bad credit. I always thought that a hiring factor, was based on work experience, not personal credit information. This is pathetic.

I am only 57 but I'm still thinking like a teenager and eager to keep going. I work for a church so they really appreciate more mature workers for the experience and above all, reliability. I am a musician (all my degrees are in music), and have had a series of not-so-wonderful jobs, a couple of job layoffs, etc, so I don't have much saved for retirement. Plus I've lived on my own for almost my entire adult life and that's tough doing it all by yourself. I still plan to teach music in my retirement, but I also joined Mary Kay as a rep which is something I love. I figure that's my retirement job as I can set my own hours. I want to stay active but hope I can use my music and skincare jobs to add to my social security and small pensions. It's tough but I think I have options out there and want to stay active anyway during retirement. Life's a challenge. I don't think we can expect what our parents did for retirement with pensions from their jobs and nice nesteggs. Life is different now. We have to adjust. I plan to not go down without a fight! haha!

I am 56 and I found illegeles workers all ready on the jobs I had experiance for. They prefered there own kind and rulled hiering part, not owning the bussiness. I was qualified for with many years in the field. I had to begin in a new field at a lower scale.(please edit the spelling)

When will aarp start to use it's power over numbers to put presure on companies that do not hire 50+ through a boycott. This is rediculos if you want to work for what ever reason you should be able to. I know I am more reliable than the younger folk bu t more reliable.

I am going to start Drawing ssi disability benifits. I had a stroke in September. When I went to the hospital I was told my heart was damaged from exposure tosomething. The doctor did not know what. I have vision loss on my right side. I do not have a loss of strenth. When I had my stroke I did not know anything was wrong. I drove about 50 miles to work twice. The second time I called my wife and told her I could not read the road signs. I could not even read lic plate numbers. I am going to get a disability retirment benifits from SSI. This will not be enough money to support my family. With my vision loss I can not do the work I was trained for Structural Ironworker. If I find something I can do how much can I make to help my family and not lose my benifits?

I was one of four people layed off from my job. I was the oldest at 64 and the others were in their 20s. I had planned on that last year for paying off several debts, reducing my mortgage, and adding significantly to my 401k in preparation for retirement the next year. I was devasted. My unemployment was not enough to make ends meet so I was forced to begin drawing my social security early which meant a reduction in my retirement. I sent out over 45 resumes but was unable to get another job. I went to work for a temp agency on a few temporary jobs. One of the temp jobs turned into a permanent part-time position for me. That happened after a year of being out of work and 45 resumes which produced only three interviews. I knew the moment I walked in for each of the interviews that I would not be hired due to the reaction of the interviewer when first meeting. I felt that I should be able to get a job based on my 35+ years of administrative experience and that my gray hair should not be what defined my abilities. Sadly, that was not the case until I was hired after working several weeks as their temporary employee. Because I lost a year at much higher wages, I have not recovered financially and still have the debts I had planned to pay off. It looks as if I will be forced to work until I am close to 70. This is unfortunate for me and my community because I like to do volunteer work and am unable to do any due to the hours I work and the cost of travel back and forth. I firmly believe that if the EEOC would bring just one age discrimination suit against an employer, it would send shock waves through the business community in every state.

my husband and i planned to retire at fifty since we had no children. we are professionals at a local hospital and continue to work 59/66. things just did not work out like we expected. we continue to work for the medical coverage which we will lose after over thirty years at our jobs. partime would be great for our social connections and our brains.

I have found so much discrimination in age that it is impossible for anyon over 60 to find employment in Florida. I live in an area that has no industry nor will it allow any to setup so that jobs arwe Available. Wal-mart even says "Too much snow on the roof means not enough spunk in the pants". All the youth are leaving the area after graduation becuse of the lack of jobs. Around Vero Beach the motto is "If you don't dust, catch the bus."

I was offered early retirement from a large global Property & Casualty brokerage firm at age 64. I was really being told that they did not want me around anymore because I was negative. Yes, I was negative. I started in the business in my 40's and loved it. I had a passion and took all classes available and moved up rapidly. Then I began to see the new young MBA's start to fill up the ranks. They were to be the saviours. Of course they didn't have to do it they way the old timers did. The idea of working overtime and doing almost every function did not compute with them. They felt entitled and my employer felt the same way. After ten years of cleaning up after the bright new stars when they left got to be tiring. Anyway I took my severance package and enjoyed retirement for about 6 months. Then I was recommended to local brokerage firm. They were and remain so grateful for my experience and work ethic. I can pretty much set my own hours, work at home and get paid very well.
The large global firms are behind the curve and so wrapped up in procedures that they are losing their most talented employees. The smaller regional firms have the flexability to try new things.

I love my life. I take classes in subjects I am interested in. I do volunteer work feeding the homeless, spend time with grandchildren, read, wander and dream. I am really a pre boomer but still a viable person with much to contribute.

Yes, I'm still working at age 63, but that will change with the new year. I've been working a "temp to maybe permanent" position, but am being laid off. I NEED to work as an unwanted divorce 7 years ago was financially devistating. I've regained a little of the lost ground, but I'm loosing it. I have not been successful in securing permanent full time employment. I need to work both for financial reasons, and insurance. I currently have Cobra which runs our the end of January. Yes, I definately feel that age descrimination has been very key in not finding a new job.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, these past 10 years, I have a real need to earn income, by working from home. I have run my own businesses and would love to find an authentic and non-scam source to approach. Help, anyone?

if im 62 years old and still working at the same comany for over 30 years can i still get pension payments while im working full time at the same company.

After reading all the comments, I really think this country's in a "sorry state of affairs" when people who've worked all their lives have to keep on working until they die (probably at their jobs) because corporate greed has made it possible for employers to get the "most amount of work from the least amount of people for the least amount of pay." Not to mention, the "health care crisis", which of course those same CEO's who make 400% more then their average employees and the politicians don't have to worry about. All these media polls by "Money" magazine, etc say they just can't understand why more Americans aren't saving more for their retirement. They refuse to believe that most Americans are barely making enough from their cheap employers to make ends meet, let alone save for anything. Everything goes up except our paychecks. I even can't afford a "latte", let alone cut any of them out in a week. For the holidays, my employer forced us to take off the day after Thanksgiving, the day before Christmas and the day before New Years without pay (unless you had vacation time you could use). Isn't that a great thing to do for the holidays? I agree with everything T. Sagwitz said: Most people who've slaved away all their life in meaningless, unappreciative and hard jobs struggling to just pay for the necessities of life shouldn't have to keep on working well in their old age, especially if their health isn't good. When do they get a break? I've helped the government out enough paying steep taxes all my life so now it's their turn to pay me back. I didn't tell them to take money out of the social security surplus fund and replace it with IOU's, so that it will be running in the negative down the road. Then the politicians have the audacity to encourage us to keep on slaving away (whether we feel like it or not) in order to compensate for their mismanagement of our money. The money that was being taken out of my pay (as a mandate) was for my retirement, not another tax to be used for whatever they felt like using it for (aka, more pork barrel projects). I'm 57 years old, in lousy health but can't afford to quit working until I'm eligible for early retirement at 62. I'm not working a full time job a day past that age. That's another thing that kills me about social security disability. You pay into this all your life and then when you need it, you can't be working when you apply for it - I'd like to know how they expect people to survive on no income for the 6 months to a year that they drag out your application? They must think everybody has a nest egg they can fall back on until they get approved (if they even get approved since you have to be practically an invalid to get it). There are plenty of people in bad health who are suffering while they work because they can't afford to just quit in order to be eligible to apply for SSD. It's another catch-22 like the family medical leave act where you can take off, but no pay for it. You're right, things aren't like they used to be when I was growing up, the politicians and corporate greed have run the "American Dream" into the ground, except for the rich.

I am 52 years old and work part-time, but am looking for a full-time job. I have some savings, but I also have a 16 year old daughter who will be going off to college in another year. I have no idea how I will afford college. I don't get healthcare at my job so I must buy a plan. I get social security for my daughter because my husband died three years ago, but that will end when she turns 18. I worry that I won't be able to provide enough for my daughters education because I'm unable to obtain adequate employment to meet her and my needs. I believe that we need a single payer healthcare plan in the United States, and we need to do more to provide education. How can we compete in this new world economy if we don't do our best to educate our children.
I spend alot of my time worrying about my future and the future of my daughter. I hope we can address these issues and I know that I am not alone.

I am working out of necessity. My husband left me for a younger woman after 40 yrs. I'm fast discovering that I now belong to a new faction of divorced women; 55+ and single.
I survived cancer 17yrs ago, and will survive divorce. Fortunately, I work full-time with a nice group of folks. There are phrases that I have 'opted out' of conversations so as not to date myself (I do not look my age thanks to dyed hair, diet/exercise and makeup). I work with the public and am careful to always speak in the present. I do not volunteer any information but am truthful yet careful with answers. I have 5 grandchildren but I don't have photos on my desk nor do I deliberately speak about them. Same thing with cancer. I do not bring up the subject. This works for me. It may not work for someone else. Each situation is different. But once you have had cancer, the survival mode kicks in and you do what you have to to continue survive. I'm no longer care if I am popular with the public, though I have been told I am very gracious. As far as I am concerned, it's a matter of survival. I recommend all folks over the age of 50 MOBILIZE and get active or start a chapter of AARP. UNITED WE STAND!!!

I'll be 57 in a few weeks, and I'm still working with no end in sight. I could, technically, retire from my job, but I'm unable to live on retirement pay or to pay the premiums on my portion of the insurance from my work. I most likely will be working past 66 years of age. Add to that the bills, and I'll probably be working past 70 years of age. I've been in and out of severe depressions for years. It's rather daunting to think that all my life I've worked and worked and that the remainder of my life will be just more of the same. I'm tired with nothing to look forward to. My employer has hired qualified people even when they were 59-60 years of age, and I think that is quite admirable. It shows they acknowledge and appreciate the experience an older worker brings to the workplace. For that I am thankful about where I work. I just wish I were able to have the choice NOT to work and to enjoy my "golden" years traveling or doing what I want to do.

I am 60 years old and I lost my job 5 months ago after 13 years for a wall street brokerage firm. I am very knowledgable with computers, but I am having a hard time finding another job.

My husband and I continue to work, I haven't reached retirement age yet but I will continue since I'm the one carrying the insurance thru work, (retirement doesn't give us enough to stay home, we need extra income)my husband went back to work because he was not happy to stay home everyday and needed we need the income.

Why should AARP workers, employed by the AARP work program, be paid minimum wage? If national membership in AARP is 38 million, Why not increase the $29 to $30 and place the $1 in a special Employment Fund to increase the salary to at least $10.00 an hour?

I am still working .I am a Nurse at a local Hospital. I am 75 Ihave been planing to quitt for the past 10 years. Somehow it gives me control of my life, and of course the money helps a lot. My husband has retired in 1992.
My CoWorkers do not know how old I am. I am working a 12 hr shift, I never sit down, I run the stairs, I kick box and work out at the Y.Do you think I should retire this year? I am strongly considering it. I will be 76 this year

My wife is 84 and I am 81. We work prt time as supermarket demonstrators. We live on a fixed income which is mainly social security benefits. My wife has a miniscule pension of $120 per month.
Fortunately, we are in reasonably good health for our ages. Unfortunately, I have a major respiratory problem and hope that I can continue to earn extra income, because without it we face a severe financial burden.

Needless to say, the rising cost of everything is playing havoc with us. Supplemental health insurance continues to increase almost beyond our means. In addition, the increased cost of transportation is another severe strain on the budget. We seldom go out to eat, movies are now a luxury item, etc.
We are in a "Catch 22" position. We need the extra income to meet living expenses. However, the extra income raises us above the threshhold for receiving financial assistance. It is just a vicious cycle and a pit of despair.

Age is a problem and I do not believe that it is changing. I am very well qualified and have even stated I would get my own benefits. The business world wants younger people talking back leaving early have nap time and all that because the entire infrastructure is made up of poor work ethic. One would wonder how anyone in the Computer Security field could be unemployed.

In June 2007, at the age of 60, I graduated from college and a week later my job (entire department) was eliminated. I have not been able to find another job. I have started graduate school in counseling in order to help those who are in similar circumstances or who need to find new "retirement" careers. Are you aware of any scholarships for non-traditional students? It is a new world as we live longer and find new opportunities. It is not always easy but it is exciting.

I Can't wait to retire. I work out of need not want. I just turned 64 an am in good health. I look forward to reading my stack of books that I'm just to tired after work and too busy on the weekends to enjoy. And I have other hobbies I want to enjoy before I get to decreped. If others want to work,fine. But, don't force me to work till I'm very old and half dead.

I am only 48 years old but I am already considering these very same questions. My husband is now 50 and my mother is 72. Both continue to work and I am entering college as a freshmen. I am very concerned about being able to work when I finish. Will I be discriminated against? Will I be valued? I have no answers but I must have hope because as we grow older we have so much more to give \keep the faith.

I am a 57 year old general contractor who fell 20 feet in March of 2007, No insurance and no real savings created a major problem for me and my wife who is disabled because of a major heart attack. Even though my injuries slowed me way down, I couldn't afford to stop working. I was finding it hard to continue in the style of construction I had been doing for the last 10 years because of my accident and lack of funds. I was left with no crews and had to resort to doing odd jobs and home repairs whenever I could find the work. With the housing crunch in this area and pay checks falling way behind I am finding myself with sagging poor credit ratings and bills getting behind. As I search the job market, I am feeling that I'm not getting hired anywhere because of my age and physical condition. I live well within my means. You can't rent anywhere for less than what my house payments are, so not a good idea to sell the house. My truck is almost paid for and it wouldn't bring enough to warrent selling it, plus I need it for working. I find that the places that would possibly hire me, only pay half of what it would take to exist. So.... after saying all this, I ask, WHAT IS AN EX SELF EMPLOYED SENIOR CONSTRUCTION WORKER WITH NO INSURANCE OR SAVINGS TO DO?

My husband, age 60, and I, age 55, are still working. We could not afford early retirement and really at this point can't to stop working. We need the health benefits provided by being employed and the income. If income and benefits were not an issue, we would definitely go part time! We both have elderly mother's that could use more help if we were home more.

I am also a part time college student. (I can keep up quite well with the kids!)

It was rough when my husband's plant closed and moved to Mexico when he was 55. He has has three jobs since then. He learned to drive a semi truck and works at that job now. I had to leave my job after fifteen years and get a new job that paid more while he was trying to find something steady. We have found that you have to be resilient and young at heart to survive today.

We still help out our three grown children and two grandchildren. It would be nice to have more free time. My husband just finished helping my son build his house. Basically, they did it themselves. We prove you can always learn new things. But, we hope we can still have our health to travel when we are finally able to retire, whenever that may be. And maybe, some day, to be able to have time for ourselves. We definitely are sandwiched generation!

I am soon going to turn 57 years old. Currently I do not have a job or any health insurance. I lost my job after 5 yrs at one company. Since that time I have been on several interviews and filled out numerous applications. I was even willing to train for a new career. No one is replying back to me. Retirement? I cannot even think of that right now. I have to wake up and hope today will be the new beginning. It is worriesome because who would have thought at my age something like this could have happened.

I WAS ALSO LAID OFF AT 60 FROM AN AEROSPACE COMPANY ALONG WITH OTHERS AT THE SAME OR SIMILAR AGE BUT DID NOT HAVE THE $ TO FIGHT THAT. FOUND ANOTHER JOB AS GOOD OR BETTER AND STILL WORKING AT AGE 73. LIKE MY JOB AND WANT TO PUT MORE $ INTO THE 401K WHICH IS NOW DOWN 10-20%. WILL KEEP GOING AS LONG AS HEALTH PERMITS.

Working After 50: Worry-free or Worrisome?

In this article you wrote:” Many employers are ahead of the curve when it comes to creating age-friendly workplaces. We need to promote these employers and encourage other employers to adopt similar practices”. --- I cannot agree more (and I believe that 70 millions of baby-boomers feel the same way), but we need particular actions to implement that. We need to determine a candidate who will make it a part of his/her campaign.
1. Companies should have a small tax credit and maybe some other benefits for hiring baby boomers, otherwise it will never work.
Hillary promise to give health insurance to everyone. Sounds great but I do not believe that powerful private interests will let her do it, she already tried in the past. How about making one step at a time?
2. Instead postponing Medicare, it should be given to people as soon as they turn 60. At the same time, employers should be able to hire these people on permanent positions without offering health insurance. This together with a special tax credit will change the situation drastically.
Once again, there is not way to stop age discrimination without particular economic measures. Once it stopped and all people between 50 and 70 who wish to work, are able to work, the problem of Social Security system is solved (because much more people are going contribute to it).
Regards,
Julia E.
Ph. D.

When I returned from my father's funeral, my manager expressed a concerned that my husband wasn't taking enough vacation time (he's taken none). I took one week to visit my parents, and one month later my father died and I went to his funeral. My mother now lives alone in the Ozark mountains and I am trying to set up a computer for her so I can chat with her each day. A desperate problem for Americans who are about to be retired is caring for their aging parents.

I have to weigh the risk of taking time to work with mother, and making it to next February when I reach my 30th anniversary pension. The other workers like to taunt me in this culture that aggressively rewards simplification and ranking. I put in more hours than anyone in my department, except my husband. It's a laugh to even think about FLOA now.

I think if we truly want to define jobs that can be global and younger people can move into, we need job security for all. For many years now I would have worked for a lot less money, if I was given less work. If the criteria for performance does not include reasonable limits and expectation, job security cannot exist. Motivation people to do irresponsible things and then switching managers is common practice. It amazes me that such a huge corporation can be built on such inept, corrupt and irresponsible processes.

I am 63 years old I have a problem with my back. I was let go of my job in march of last year. I cannot find a job,my wife just found a job finally as a hostess at a resturant. We have both tried since last march to find a job I am receiving social security and disability, and we may lose our house to forclosure next month. My wife has many skills which couild be used,but she hasnt worked in 5 years, and I think a lot of the reasons we cannot find a job is our age.

I just finished reading your article, I agree with everything you stated. I am a senior(age 61)recently terminated from my position as a Residential Advisor of 5 months. Prior to that, my daughter died(december 2007), and I am now caring for my great-grandson age 3. I was forced to apply for Public Assistance, but in order for me to qualify for one of their programs, I had to attend a program that teaches you how to apply for jobs, how to prepare a resume, how to write a cover letter. I sit in class with young people, ages 20-29 who do not really care about working, they are just in class because they want the cash benefits and what else they can get from Public Assistance. The program is set up for persons who are interested in minimum wage....they do not know what to do with me...I have a bachelor's degree and needless to say, they do not have positions for a person like me. I am in a dilemma. So what do you do. There needs to be some sort of training programs for persons 50+ who must work, who have lost their jobs and want to continue working. I feel totally lost these days. Cry a lot, and just plain frustrated.

I really am quite torn. I believe I need to keep on working past 65 years of age. I retired at 60 from the Educational system and at 62 I retired and took my Social Security. The reason is... I wanted to collect what I could while I could. My income benefits are lowered. As a matter of fact, i can only earn $1200 per month. That's gross income. Hello.... who could live on that and pay for their Health Insurance. It's a joke!

It seems there is a conspiracy to require older Americans to continue work. Like it or not. That just doesn't seem right.

Both my parents made choices. If they chose to work they could. These days, you have to choose to work to pay for your health care insurance (IF YOU CAN GET IT!)

Note: I feel sorry for the worker in Georgia who lost his job at retirement age. Add on to that if you loose your spouse after lingering illness. As I am from that state and realize how they will force you to retire. I moved up north and they were so happy to have me work; because, I did not take off sick kid days. In Georgia they could start with education in the educational system especially at the state level. Oh we are so behind here in this state.

Actually most employers are just more money conscious than age discrimination. They like to hire those who are less experienced and pay them less. This will happen to those who are 30 -40 and losing to those who are just 25.
What the older workers can do is to work either part-time or on contracts with a company or through an agency. When you work thru an agency you can BUY insurance thru them as a group. (you pay, they don't pay but they will let you into their agency as a group member to be cheaper. After you get off that contract, you convert that insurance into an individual type.) Make sure you understand that is a very high cost, not a company subsidized insurance. It is around 470 - $550 per mo for age 60 - 64, and it is $2500 deductible. BUT once you got that, you keep paying it till you are on medicare. We are talking about roughly $8000 per yr for about 10 years. And If in between you got some temp work thru the agencies, you can pay the premium off, else, you need to get a second mortgage on your hosue to pay off the health insurance, and amortize your remaining wealth for about 30 years or so.

My 70th birthday is within sight and I started back to work three years ago because we need the money. I'm a college graduate with decades of management experience, but I can't get past the first interview for a management job. Maybe I need to dye my hair and get a face lift? Ten bucks an hour is better than nothing, but it is discouraging.

The limits on income for retires needs to be increased or eliminated. It makes retirement almost impossible for a widow who can collect benefits at age 60 but still at least needs or wants to earn a part time income. It's says you are entitled to the benefit but we make it impossible for you to collect it; most people could not live on it without supplementing their income.

My husband went on disability 17 years ago. I have since had to be the bread winner with no higher education. My children were small at the time and had to put one of my children through college also. I originally had my house paid off in seven years when he was working and since then had to re-mortgage the house and go into extreme debt trying not to loose the house and keep my kids going. We have almost no retirement and don't see myself retiring anytime soon. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 7 years ago and it has really worsened. It has made it very difficult to work myself. Looking ahead to our future looks very bleak right now and I am happy that AARP is recognizing this siutation and so many other people in our situation in our country. The best thing is that you are willing to do something about it where no one else is and for that I thank you.
Lisa

I'm 57 and my employer is actively looking for any small reason to coach or write up associates in my age category..they have us under a magnifying glass watching for the smallest of errors, sometimes even setting up a series of events that will create failure. Seeing these things transpire in a company that I have given years of devotion and hard work to are to say the least-disappointing. But seeing the writing on the wall I have resumes out--and of course I always hear "over qualified"...meaning, your too old. I cannot imagine why they would not want a person with such excellent skills and years of successful experience--why would a company not want the most qualified candidate for their dollar--even if it means, over qualified? Makes absolutely no sense

I am 50 years old and have been looking for employment to help out since my husband's company put him in a lesser job, lowering our income.(He is in his late 50s) I fill out on line applications attempting to skirt around the age issue, but there is always a little clue..year of graduation required, something to tip them off. If I could get to the point that they would MEET me they would see that I am not "old"..I have kept myself in fantastic shape, I still weigh what I did in high school, I work out, my good health is obvious--not to mention my youthful attitude. I don't even get a CHANCE!!!! I have a wonderful mind and catch on quickly to most anything--not to mention the fact that my work ethic most certainly beats that of so many of these younger ones coming along. Lets see..the advantages of hiring older people? Want people who show up at work? Want people who understand "work" behavior and language? Want people who are unlikely to get involved in workplace romance, gossip, or cliques? Want somebody who still understands what "earning" their pay is about and having respect for their employer? Want people who know how to dress and look on the job? Need I go on and on? In answer to Jimi Hendrix's song "Are You Experienced" YES! And THATS A GOOD THING! And you don't know how goooood experience is until you have dealt with the inexperienced.

I am in a second career tutoring five years old children. I love what I do and I also returned to college, and graduated at 64. I work because I want the social interaction, with adults of all ages, and most of all, helping the future adults of America. I love talk shows, my computer, writing, and helping people to help themselves. I love honest and unselfish people, for we take nothing when we leave this world.

I am planning to retire next year and, fortunately will have healthcare. My employer is not older worker friendly and will not let me cut down my hours. It seems that they want to make it difficult for older workers by increasing their stress level, so they can replace us with younger, faster and cheaper workers. I am hoping to find a part time job in a completely different field.

I agree with your comment to re-define retirement age. It is fare to to provide the opportunity for a friendly working environment for able, experienced and willing elders in today's society for whatever reasons. However, no matter what the employers may say about this provosion, there are alot of unfriendly practices by the younger management staff against the senior workers, but their days will soon be hear. It takes a strong and tolorable one to stand the heat, just to be nice about what's going on.

I am a 52 year old working woman. Having been raised by hard working parents I clearly understand that work is honorable. In my case, I raised 3 children without the benefit of child support, sending 2 of 3 to college with minimal financial aide as I must make just over the limit for income. I cannot imagine a time in my life when I will not be working. Retirement is not only not an option, but not desired by this wholy independent woman. With my health, my mind and my drive I will continue on without asking permission to do so. Changing my direction as need be in the process. Life and work are blessings.

I'm working at a relatively low-level job in academia, the only job I could find at age 56,after losing three jobs in private industry in a fifteen year period through no fault of my own. The pay is low and I have to work until age 71 to vest in my employer's 403 (b) plan. At which time I will be peanlized by current IRS tax code for not withdrawing from my plan before age 70 1/2. We need to get the tax code amended so that folks who have to work this long don't get kicked in the teeth again by the tax code.

I'm about to turn 64 and am working a couple of days a week for a family practice doctor. After working full time for this doctor, I retired for a few years but found it just wasn't my time for retirement. Fortunately, I was invited back with a very flexible schedule which allows me to take as much time off for traveling or whatever as I want. I went back partly to earn a little extra money, but mostly because I enjoy the work. It doesn't hurt that my niece is married to the doctor and is also my office manager!!! My husband is 75 and still working part time. Keeping busy is important to both of us, so we'll continue working as long as we enjoy it and are able.

I am 53 years old. After working on contract for a year, I was let go 9 months ago. While I was able to collect unemployment and obtain COBRA, I continue to look for permanent work. I am interviewing but have yet to receive an offer. Unemployment has expired, I do not have money to pay for COBRA anymore. I interviewed for a state job in October 2007 and they have yet to make a "decision". I need to work full time in order to support myself and can only conclude that age discrimination is preventing me from doing so.

I just turned 60 last month and am told that I look about 50. I was downsized last July (gender/age discrimination) and whoever says that there is no age discrimination in the hiring world is not in touch with reality. I do extremely well in telephone interviews but as soon as the interviewer discovers my age, the interview from that point is a waste of time. I have a varied background and I am very good at what I do so qualifications are not an issue.

I am a widow. Legitimately mariied. My husband died when my daughter was 11 months year old. I had already graduated from an Ivy-Leagued school, University of Pennsylvania. I went on after my daughter was two years old, to get my graduate degree in education at Cheyney University. I moved to CT in te last 6 years, but since I lived in PA for over 25 years, I hope people in the whole state of PA will realize that Obama is the best candidate for us all. Black, white , poor rich, red, yellow, democrat, republican.
we cannot survive another 4 years under republican regime. WAKE UP AMERICA!

I would never have thought I'd click on to AARP but your campaign to get congress acting in unison got me. Then I saw this page on working after 50. When I was in the U.S., I didn't feel old - though on reflection, my employer, a large insurance company, had begun a business plan in about 2002 that turned people into productive machines. At that point, I (an attorney) was converted from a person into a machine and my age did matter. The company (as had the other large insuranc