People aren’t slowing down when it comes to work

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Labor, workers 65 and older have increased in the workforce by 3.2% since 1984, and are projected to make up 19.7% of the workforce by 2014. The same study projects workers 65 – 74 will make up 26.9% of the workforce by 2014.

Older workers offer wealth of experience
A musician since age five, Jack Melick of Highland Springs in Dallas hasn’t slowed down in fulfilling his lifelong ambition. He and his eleven-piece orchestra perform four months of the year throughout the Southwest and on cruise ships. “Age is not a factor as far as music is concerned,” he says.

With more than 50 years of performances under his belt, including gigs with both big band and Hollywood stars, Melick brings a wealth of experience to the table wherever he plays.

Many employers are eager to hire older workers due to their dependability, experience, and work ethic.

Reasons to work
AARP recently conducted a nationwide telephone survey of 2,001 workers between the ages of 50 and 70 to explore their vision of retirement. According to the study, “Financial concerns represent the primary reason that many pre-retirees expect to work in retirement. Other common reasons for working in retirement include the desire to remain mentally and physically active and the desire to be productive and useful.”

For Melick, it’s the reward of bringing pleasure to others. “Over the years thousands of people have told us we’ve made them very, very happy because you don’t hear that music anymore. It’s well worth it in what we bring to these people” Melick says.

Despite the fact that he currently works four months out of the year averaging ten performances per month, he finds the time to play poker at Highland Springs every Monday and Tuesday night, participates in the Pet Club, and spends time with his daughters who live nearby.