People aren’t slowing down when it comes to work

By Laura Hipshire
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 a subcategory of workers 65–74 will make up 26.9% of the workforce by 2014.

Older workers offer employers a wealth of experience
Eric Lange, 85, has worked for American Specialty Cars (formerly American Sunroof Corporation) in Southgate, Mich., for almost ten years. “I did have a five-year period when I didn’t work, but I decided that I didn’t have enough to do,” he says.

The 85-year-old resident of Henry Ford Village in Dearborn has an extensive work background in automotive computer design and consulting, and has worked for companies such as Ford Motor Company, DeLorean, and the Tecumseh Orbital Engine Company. “I’ve had four patents since I started working here,” he adds.

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 preretirees 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.”

‘Made for work’
“I think life is made for work,” Lange says. “You’ve got to contribute to society by working.” Despite the fact that he currently works 55 hours a week, he finds the time to work out at the fitness center on campus, spends a lot of time on the computer, and volunteers at the Yankee Air Museum.

If that wasn’t enough, he has also helped his daughter with her horsesaddlery business by making things for her store. “I did them in the wood shop here at Henry Ford Village,” he says.