The “retirement” system is broken. We all know that people are living much longer and most need or want to work later in life. And while some might disagree, most can only spend so much time on the golf course or walking on the beach. Even coffee with your spouse every morning and planning the day may be losing its luster.

Statistics Canada recently shared that more than one in five adults is now “nearing” retirement. I suppose if you view retirement as the destination we have been programmed to believe it is, then using the word “nearing” might make sense. In my lifetime, I don’t recall describing myself as “nearing” grade one, high school, college, university, marriage, or parenthood or describing any of these stages as final destinations.

A growing number of people 60+ are postponing their retirement. Plenty are launching second careers in spite of ageism rearing its ugly head. Some are going back to school and training for their next adventure or taking up something new for the first time. This point of life is not the beginning of the end. It’s a new beginning to a story that has at least 20 years to unfold. A story you can write for yourself.

And yes, I have personally heard a version of these on more than one occasion:

Myth #1 Older workers won’t sick around
Fact: In fact, today older people tend to be more loyal and stick around longer. The younger generations will continue to move around many times as they work to acquire new skills and find their path. Research suggests that workers over 50 years old are 5 times less likely to change jobs compared to people 20-24. An older

I see these words often in a variety of forms from the financial services industry. The majority of these programs and reports are focused on the financial side of retirement. It’s obvious that no one can be really ready for retirement if they only look at the money.

Because retirement isn’t the destination it used to be. Today, you could find yourself with 30 years ahead of you. Think about that! 30+years! That’s A LOT of time. And let’s say that you do manage to save up enough money are you really ready? Do you even want to retire at all? Some people are completely prepared for the financial side of retirement. Most are not prepared for the non-financial side of things. And it is the non-financial side that ultimately determines if you thrive or just go through the motions for yes, that’s right, about 30 years!

Ok, I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a fan when it comes to some of the talent shows on TV. I remember in 2009 when Susan Boyle walked on the stage and of course most viewers were wondering how this “older” individual would perform. She was a 48-year old unknown that belted out a Broadway musical hit. We were all caught by surprise and have been programmed to expect this kind of performance from someone young and beautiful.Fact is, you are never too old to make your mark. Not convinced? Keep reading……

Peter Drucker came up with the term “knowledge worker” in the late 1950’s long before computers and other forms of technology even existed. He was referring to problem solving and critical thinking skills. Drucker believed that knowledge workers were intelligent, focused on finding the truth and focused.

Today, we are flooded by knowledge coming at us from every direction. What we really need is a dose of wisdom in our workplace. At the Experience Group, we refer to these wisdom workers as Silver Seals….

Ours is a youth-obsessed culture and the work place is no exception. A recent survey from the US found that roughly two thirds of workers over the age of 50 said they believed older workers face age discrimination at work. The theme is shared here in Canada as well.

We’ve heard from many since our firm was founded:

Ageism is one of the most unfair paradoxes in the labor market. Individuals put decades of hard work and then find themselves penalized for doing so.

Organizations have programs for emerging leaders, up-and-comers and high-potential middle managers, but we aren’t hearing much about development opportunities or career paths for those over 50. Disregarding ongoing training or development or assuming someone is heading out the door once they turn 65 is a missed opportunity.

Become Silver Seal certified today and take back control.

What the Heck is a Silver Seal? Silver Seals are high-performing individuals who are breaking free from the expectations of age. And while being an ageless explorer is not for everyone, it might be right for you if you want to continue to work but are challenged by antiquated hiring practices that consider “older” professionals undesirable.

Organizations are being challenged to demonstrate their DEI credentials, yet there remains one area of discrimination that we know is only expected to worsen – ageism - a forgotten factor.

When companies look to reduce costs it’s often managed by way of trimming salaries. Most often the higher paid, more experienced people are the first to be let go. Those businesses that pursue this strategy are missing out on the diversity and power of a multi-generational team. And even more alarming is allowing the elders to walk out the door without capturing the wisdom learned through decades of experience.

Ageism is one of the most unfair, but seldom talked about, situations in the workplace. After putting in decades of energy, focus, learning and hard work into their professions, many older worker find themselves penalized for having done just that. Quite the paradox I would say

I love patina – on cars, on works of art, on antiques. With exposure to all kind of elements, stresses and time, items are forever changed for the better. They become more beautiful as they age and increase in value.

Many employers we have talked to say they are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in their recruitment processes, but rarely do they consider age.
Creating a more age-inclusive recruitment process could provide companies with all the benefits a multi-generational workforce has to offer.

If you are like me and so many others, your own thoughts derailed your job search before you began. “They won’t hire me. I’m too old” or “I know I’m overqualified for this” or “who wants to hire their gramma?” The senior job search is a new art and before you begin your hunt there are a number of things to think about.

An associate of mine told me about his “Freedom 55” plan. He joked when I asked about this by saying “when my youngest child turns 55 then I will be free.” During these uncertain and challenging times, it’s not that far from the truth for many.

Shouldn’t an organization’s DEI include age? There’s no question that living longer, much longer, is an important trend that is not going away. Could there be a better way to manage your aging workforce?

Something volcanic has begun in the workplace and the neurotically ageist sectors of society have determined that hiring a highly skilled and wise professional over the

In church one Sunday, our Pastor was sharing some information about the life of Moses – examples of leadership abound in the book of Exodus. It took Moses over 80 years to prepare and develop himself as a leader, ultimately becoming the first political