Work-Life Balance Tips For The Over 60s [Infographic]

Alexandra Ashton http://www.neomam.com 4m 1,124 #retirement

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6 Work Life Balance Tips For 60’s Workers

Productivity doesn’t stop with age and not everyone can afford – or even want – an early retirement. According to a recent survey, more and more workers past the age of 60 are putting off the prospect of retirement. So what are some work life balance tips for all the 60’s workers out there?

The latest research from AAG has looked at what the workforce past 60 are looking for and what they’re doing right now. A recent survey from CareerBuilder showed that 54% of workers aged 60+ will plan to continue to work part or full time after their retirement, whilst 53% of workers are delaying retirement completely for the time being.

Since 2000, the amount of older workers in the workforce has gone up by 13%. It is estimated that by 2020, 55% of the workforce will be aged 55 and over. As you get older, priorities in life are bound to change, so how can we get the right work-life balance?

One of the steps is to make sure you’re in the right job, one that you feel valued and fulfilled within. Ask yourself what do you value, what do you want and who are you right now – do you want to be more career or more family orientated?

Another step is to make sure you look for flexibility in your current role. Maybe working part-time or on a flexible basis would be more ideal for you as you start to consider casually cutting down on your working hours. Negotiate with your employer for a flexible arrangement that is based on your own individual situation.

Have a look at the infographic below for some more helpful tips to manage your work-balance routine.

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WORK-LIFE BALANCE TIPS FOR 60S WORKERS

Productivity doesn’t just stop with age. People are living longer and healthier lives, and not everyone can afford – or wants – an early retirement.

Whether you’re staying at your job or looking for a late-career change, here are some tips that can help make sure you’re getting the right work-life balance.

WORKING PAST 60

Today, more workers are putting off retirement. According to a CareerBuilder survey:

53% of workers aged 60+ are delaying retirement

54% of workers aged 60+ plan to work part- or full-time after retirement

The most common jobs they plan to pursue:

• Customer service
• Retail
• Consulting

The number of employers who hire older workers has increased.

Employers who have hired mature workers:

• 54% in 2014
• 48% in 2013

As the population ages, more older workers will make up the workforce.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, by 2020: 

• 55% of the workforce will be aged 55+
• This is up 13% from 2000

If an early retirement isn’t for you, consider continuing working.

According to a Merrill Lynch survey, the top reasons for retirees to work in retirement:

• 62% to stay mentally active
• 31% for the money

HOW TO GET THE RIGHT BALANCE

As you get older, your priorities in life change – meaning your work-life balance shifts accordingly.

Get the right job

Whether you’re sticking it out in your current role or looking for a new one – make sure it’s the right fit.

As people mature, so do their perspectives, so try to find a position where you feel valued and fulfilled.

Ask yourself:

• Who am I, now? Am I more career-oriented or family-oriented.
• What do I want? I want to work Monday to Friday or only afternoons.
• What do I value? Family time, helping others, creativity, or money.

Look for Flexibility

Working part-time or on a flexible basis is perfect for those who are keen to gradually withdraw from the workplace.

Negotiate with your employer what flexible arrangements can be made. Be sure to emphasize the benefits to the company – they get to keep you and your skills instead of incurring the costs of hiring and training a replacement.

What type of flexibility will depend on you and your situation.

• When? Flexible start/stop times, seasonal working hours.
• Where? Working from home, telecommuting, working at an office/branch closer to home.
• How? Job sharing, phased retirement.

Discuss family needs

It’s important to be a part of your children’s and grandchildren’s lives or care for elderly relatives, but taking on too much responsibility can create extra stress.

1 in 4 parents say they rely on grandparents for child care a few times a month.

When it comes to caring for grandchildren, manage expectation. Be honest with how much you can take on and agree on a system that works for all parties.

3 in 4 employers nationwide offer assistance programs for elder care. 

When it comes to caring for older relatives, discuss with your employers what help is available.

Exercise

Making time in your schedule to be active will help you avoid chronic diseases and promote better health by:

• Maintaining healthy bones and joints
• Lowering blood pressure
• Strengthening muscles

1 OUT OF 3 adults aged 65+ say they have no time for physical activity.

• You don’t need a gym. Try chair exercises at your desk at work. Other options include walking, gardening, golf, or just anything that keeps you moving. Just choose an activity you enjoy.
• Stretch daily. Try yoga, it’ll improve flexibility and relieve the discomfort of chronic conditions such as arthritis.
• Exercise on the go. Try parking a bit further out and walking the rest of the way to your destination.

Bring in wholesome lunches

Along with exercise, a healthy diet is an important aspect to staying healthy.

For adults over 50, healthy eating promotes:

• Higher energy levels
• Better resistance to illness
• Improved mental activity
• Improved overall wellbeing

Mix up what you eat and aim for 1,800 – 2,800 calories per day.

• For recipes that ask for dairy products, try low-fat milk, cream, or yogurt.
• Swap red meat for leaner light meat, like chicken breast.
• Have a veggie box delivered every week – it will encourage you to eat more vegetables.

Make time for personal networks

Socializing with others keeps your mind sharp, reduces stress, and is good for your emotional health.

However, staying in work and having family and friends move away can make it difficult to keep in touch.

Get on social media
Use it to reconnect with loves ones near and far to help relieve the everyday stress of not seeing them in person.

Volunteer your time
Find an organization you’re passionate about. Make connections outside of work and family while helping your community.

Research suggests the happiest people are those who are busy – but seldom feel rushed. Get the right balance between work and life, and use your age to your advantage.

“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Produced by AAG
American Advisors Group

Source: https://www.aag.com/news/6-work-life-balance-tips-60s-workers

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