Why Retire? Career Strategies for Third-Age Nurses

Trauma Columnist · Apr 29, 2009

whew! Thanks. I too am going to have work well into my 70's.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 29, 2009

Thanks for the information. Personally, I am a little more optimistic that the economy will eventually recover and that those of us currently in our 50's won't be quite as bad off as we fear -- but I still plan on working at least part time well into my 60's.

I had to smile when I read, "I plan to stay healthy ..." One thing I am learning as I age is that we can't always control that. As I get older, I see more of my friends and family (and myself) develop health problems that were not preventable. It brings to mind that saying that goes something like, "We can't always control what happens to us in life. All we can control is how we respond to what happens to us."

The assumption that we can stay healthy and strong is an arrogant one that can lull us into poor planning. I hope we all stay healthy and strong, but I know that all of us will not. We need to be prepared for the, "What if ..."

Thanks again for the reference.

llg

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Apr 29, 2009

Unfortunately, for a lot of us, the "what if..." funds have evaporated into thin air. With the government churning out paper bills with reckless abandon, and an unimaginable debt accumulating at an exponential rate (which SOMEONE will have to repay, SOMEDAY), we now run the risk of hyperinflation (such as occurred in the Weimar Republic) or increased taxation eating up what remains of our assets.

I personally believe in being proactive. I also believe in the power of prayer. I ask God for enduring good health and the ability to work for a long, long time. I am seeking to improve my health and be in tip-top physical shape. I also am doing my best to remain current in my clinical skills and certifications and seek out new avenues and opportunities. That said, I don't control my future, but He does. I know ultimately my life is in His hands. He who takes care of the sparrow also takes care of His children. Not much of a safety net exists any more for those unplanned health problems, or being unable to work, and if we are counting on the government to take care of us in our old age, we may be sadly disappointed.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 1, 2009

In terms of being proactive in health, career, and fiscal matters, this is great:

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Jack Lalanne, BTW, is my geriatric hero!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 1, 2009

I got started too late in life to be able to even THINK of retirement.........graduated from nursing school at age 38, spent every dime I made (and still do), and never learned how to be smart about money. I expect to be working in some capacity for the rest of my days; trouble is, the few people in my family who have survived their 50s and 60s went on to develop dementia in their 70s. Sure hope I can break THAT mold!!:uhoh21:

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 3, 2009

This is just an aside, but Newt Gingrich recently stated that all this unfathomable government spending will result in $114,000 extra taxes for each person to pay. And this is just to cover the interest on all this borrowed money. Hence, my point about what remains of our assets now being threatened by all this out-of-control and fiscally irresponsible government spending.

http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/22210517/newt-gingrich-unplugged.htm

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 18, 2009

The workforce as a whole is aging, and life expectancy has increased dramatically. It may not be sustainable for society in the near future to support large numbers of elders during decades of retirement. Many Boomers are not prepared in terms of "nest egg" savings and pensions to adequately cover their living expenses during retirement years. Social Security was originally meant to only supplement retirement income and is not sufficient for funding anything other than a "bare-bones" existence.

Not surprisingly, up to 80% of Boomers plan to continue to work in some capacity after the traditional retirement age of 65. Work life extension is one solution and barriers to continued employment of seniors are being removed. Mandatory retirement was abolished in 1986 and, in 2000, the earnings penalty was removed from Social Security.

Productive aging is defined by Caro, Bass, and Chen (2010) as "any activity by an older individual that produces goods or services, or develops the capacity to produce them, whether they are to be paid for or not" (p. 410). The notion of productive aging directly challenges the pervasive societal stereotypes of elders as being frail and dependent, rigid, or unable to learn new things. Obstacles to productive aging include institutional ageism, labor market conditions, cultural lag, unattractive volunteer/ employment assignments, and lack of interest by older people in community service and post-retirement employment opportunities.

According to Bower and Sadler (2009), ways to plan for "Third Age" career strategies include: preparing a life portfolio, taking an honest inventory of one's strengths and weaknesses, evaluating one's needs, preparing oneself for the future, building networks, being flexible, and developing a support system.

References

Bower, F. L., & Sadler, W. A. (2009). Why retire? Career strategies for Third Age nurses. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau.

Caro, F. G., Bass, S. A., & Chen, Y. (2010). Achieving a productive aging society. In H. R. Moody (Ed.) Aging: Concepts and controversies (6th ed., pp. 409-413). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 18, 2009

Caro, F. G., Bass, S. A., & Chen, Y. (2010). Achieving a productive aging society. In H. R. Moody (Ed.) Aging: Concepts and controversies (6th ed., pp. 409-413). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

Note the 2010 publication date (both in the reference list and within the text). Are you seeing galleys of a yet-to-be published book? :wink2:

I think it is great that some people are able to work after the age of 65 -- and wouldn't mind working part time during that time of life myself. I just happen to personally know a lot of people who developed health problems in their 50's and 60's that made it very difficult or impossible for them to work much beyond age 60. We can't prevent all cancers. We can't prevent all arthitis ... and all heart disease ... and all kidney disease ... etc.

The fact that the "average" age at death is increasing does not mean that everyone is healthy and strong in their 60's. While it's great for those whose health allows them to work in their 60's and 70's ... everyone needs a "fallback plan" that will fulfill their basic needs should they be one of those people whose health does not allow them to do so.

What is that saying about the gods laughing at those who make plans, believing that they can control the future? And then there is always, "Pride goeth before a fall." I'm hoping for the best -- sufficient health to be active and employed part time until my mid-to-late 60's. But I do my financial planning with an eye on the possibility that I might not be so lucky.