Careers in aging are not the next big thing. They are the new big thing. In Warrenton, Virginia, Terry and Tina Ross, both in their mid-50s, run a
shop called Simple Comforts that sells a panoply of products that cater to seniors. The shop sells literally thousands of items that promote healthy and active aging.
shop called Simple Comforts that sells a panoply of products that cater to seniors. The shop sells literally thousands of items that promote healthy and active aging.
Puzzles and pruners. I’m talking everything from pill organizers to large print crossword puzzle books to ramps and rose pruners. “These products make everyday activities such as gardening, cooking, travel,
golf, exercise and just plain gettin’ around a little easier,” Tina says. “We have items for boomers who might have an aching back and for their parents.”
golf, exercise and just plain gettin’ around a little easier,” Tina says. “We have items for boomers who might have an aching back and for their parents.”
see photos Clarissa Leahy/Getty Images
Bingo–a small business that caters to an aging population. The job site, retiredbrains.com, lists dozens of franchise opportunities that cater specifically to the aging
population. If you’re interested, you’ll have to do the vetting.
population. If you’re interested, you’ll have to do the vetting.
By 2050, according to Pew Research Projections, about one-in-five Americans will be over age 65, up
from some 39 million Americans, or 13% of the U.S. population now. And the
number of those 85 and older is expected to more than double to about 5% of this
country’s population.
from some 39 million Americans, or 13% of the U.S. population now. And the
number of those 85 and older is expected to more than double to about 5% of this
country’s population.
This demographic shift is already creating a wave of new fields and
opportunities for workers of all ages. It’s just a tease of what’s to come. To
get in, though, you might need to bolster your résumé with new skills,
preferably added while continuing to work full-time in your first career.
True, some of the positions do require a full-degree program, say, an Associates
of Applied Sciences degree in gerontology. Professional certifications, however,
are becoming increasingly accepted by employers and clients in many arenas,
which is great for 50+ workers–faster and cheaper.
opportunities for workers of all ages. It’s just a tease of what’s to come. To
get in, though, you might need to bolster your résumé with new skills,
preferably added while continuing to work full-time in your first career.
True, some of the positions do require a full-degree program, say, an Associates
of Applied Sciences degree in gerontology. Professional certifications, however,
are becoming increasingly accepted by employers and clients in many arenas,
which is great for 50+ workers–faster and cheaper.
Where are these jobs? There’s clearly high demand for health
care workers across a wide gamut. Despite the tight job market, health-related
jobs in hospitals; clinics; nursing and residential care facilities; and
home-centered services are growing. Projections from The Department of Labor’s
Occupational Outlook Handbook forecast 3.2
million new jobs within existing health care job classifications between 2008
and 2018. It lists a variety of home and personal care health care jobs as
fast-growing occupations.
care workers across a wide gamut. Despite the tight job market, health-related
jobs in hospitals; clinics; nursing and residential care facilities; and
home-centered services are growing. Projections from The Department of Labor’s
Occupational Outlook Handbook forecast 3.2
million new jobs within existing health care job classifications between 2008
and 2018. It lists a variety of home and personal care health care jobs as
fast-growing occupations.
You don’t have to be a surgeon or ICU nurse: there are
hundreds of areas of specialization, such as music therapists for Alzheimer’s
patients, and occupational therapists for the elderly.
hundreds of areas of specialization, such as music therapists for Alzheimer’s
patients, and occupational therapists for the elderly.
While my friend Carol was visiting her Uncle Bob in a New Jersey “assisted
living” home this week, an instructor was leading a class in tap dancing for a
group of elderly women. The choice of music – “Staying Alive.”
living” home this week, an instructor was leading a class in tap dancing for a
group of elderly women. The choice of music – “Staying Alive.”
Other positions include: registered nurses, mental health counselors, social
workers, physical therapists, physician assistants, dental hygienists, and
fitness trainers and nutritionists.
workers, physical therapists, physician assistants, dental hygienists, and
fitness trainers and nutritionists.
The American Medical Association’s annual Health Professions Career and
Education Directory
is a good resource for job seekers. Other helpful Web sites include Health Professions Network, which
features different allied health professions, and Health Care Workforce, which has a
long list of links to other job-listing sites in the field. As the stream of new
medical technologies arrive, trained professionals will be called on to step
into those areas as well.
Education Directory
is a good resource for job seekers. Other helpful Web sites include Health Professions Network, which
features different allied health professions, and Health Care Workforce, which has a
long list of links to other job-listing sites in the field. As the stream of new
medical technologies arrive, trained professionals will be called on to step
into those areas as well.
“As tens of millions of people live into their 80s and 90s, we’ll need
millions of others in their 50s and 60s and 70s to help care for them–not just
within families, but through second careers,” Marc Freedman, CEO of Civic Ventures and author of The
Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyond Midlife, says. “They’ll be able
to fill millions of positions we will need to fill — as nurses, home health
aides, health navigators, and roles we’ve yet to even define.”
millions of others in their 50s and 60s and 70s to help care for them–not just
within families, but through second careers,” Marc Freedman, CEO of Civic Ventures and author of The
Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyond Midlife, says. “They’ll be able
to fill millions of positions we will need to fill — as nurses, home health
aides, health navigators, and roles we’ve yet to even define.”
Last year, Civic Ventures in conjunction with
Encore.org, MetLife and Partners in Care Foundation published
the report: How
Boomers Can Help Improve Health Care: Emerging Encore Career Opportunities In
Health Care.
Encore.org, MetLife and Partners in Care Foundation published
the report: How
Boomers Can Help Improve Health Care: Emerging Encore Career Opportunities In
Health Care.
It’s good reading packed with deep research and forward thinking. It examines
six new occupations identified by a panel of national experts in work force and
health care issues. The highlighted jobs are: community health worker, chronic
illness coach, medications coach, patient navigator/advocate, home- and
community-based service navigator/advocate, and home modification
specialist.
six new occupations identified by a panel of national experts in work force and
health care issues. The highlighted jobs are: community health worker, chronic
illness coach, medications coach, patient navigator/advocate, home- and
community-based service navigator/advocate, and home modification
specialist.
I’ve incorporated some of these into my own list (see slideshow above and
list below) of potential jobs that will benefit from the aging society. Open
your mind and consider the possibilities. There are many ways to get an angle
into the needs of the growing geezer market beyond healthcare.
list below) of potential jobs that will benefit from the aging society. Open
your mind and consider the possibilities. There are many ways to get an angle
into the needs of the growing geezer market beyond healthcare.
In the Pew Research survey of 2,969 adults
- More than nine in ten respondents age 65 and older live in their own home or
apartment.
- About one in 6 have trouble paying bills.
- Two-thirds of adults age 65 and older say religion is very important to
them. One-third say religion has grown more important to them over the course of
their lives, and they are more likely to attend worship services once a
week.
- Nearly a quarter say they got some type of vigorous exercise in the 24 hours
before they were interviewed.
How does that translate into more great “age wave” jobs? There’s a
need for people who
need for people who
- modify homes to make them safer
- are motivated fitness coaches
- are certified financial planners, or offer monthly help with finances and
bill-paying
Soul-searching. And yep, clergy is a growing field. Amen.
With widespread worries about the economy, war, and terrorism, it’s not
surprising that religion is a growth area these days. Many clerics spend the
bulk of their time ministering to parishioners in their homes. There are, of
course, those inspirational sermons from the pulpit, and regular duties like
officiating at baptisms and weddings and consoling people in times of grief.
Most clergy, despite the image, don’t take a vow of poverty: The median expected
salary for a typical Pastor in the United States is $85,395, according to
Salary.com. Educational requirements vary according to denomination. Many
require a graduate degree. Others will admit anyone who is called to the
vocation. To learn more, speak to a clergyperson of your faith.
With widespread worries about the economy, war, and terrorism, it’s not
surprising that religion is a growth area these days. Many clerics spend the
bulk of their time ministering to parishioners in their homes. There are, of
course, those inspirational sermons from the pulpit, and regular duties like
officiating at baptisms and weddings and consoling people in times of grief.
Most clergy, despite the image, don’t take a vow of poverty: The median expected
salary for a typical Pastor in the United States is $85,395, according to
Salary.com. Educational requirements vary according to denomination. Many
require a graduate degree. Others will admit anyone who is called to the
vocation. To learn more, speak to a clergyperson of your faith.
Here are 12 jobs that benefit from an aging population:
Keep in mind that pay ranges fluctuate based on factors such as prior
training and where you live, but are primarily derived from U.S. Department of
Labor data. Many require additional schooling or certification, which requires
some advance prep. It’s best to start your move into a second career a few years
in advance, but some workplaces may provide on-the-job training. See my
post here on ways to pay for your career education.
training and where you live, but are primarily derived from U.S. Department of
Labor data. Many require additional schooling or certification, which requires
some advance prep. It’s best to start your move into a second career a few years
in advance, but some workplaces may provide on-the-job training. See my
post here on ways to pay for your career education.
1. Healthcare/Patient Advocate. Solve billing mistakes,
contest insurance-coverage rejections, lend advice in making medical decisions,
find a specialist or hospital, go with patients to doctor appointments, and even
pick-up prescriptions. Community colleges and nonprofit organizations are
developing training and certification programs to help more people tackle this
post. To learn more, go to the National
Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants, a professional group in
Berkeley Calf. Advocates are often nurses, social workers or people who have
steered their own frustrating path through the medical system. No licenses are
required to practice. There are several credentialing programs.
contest insurance-coverage rejections, lend advice in making medical decisions,
find a specialist or hospital, go with patients to doctor appointments, and even
pick-up prescriptions. Community colleges and nonprofit organizations are
developing training and certification programs to help more people tackle this
post. To learn more, go to the National
Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants, a professional group in
Berkeley Calf. Advocates are often nurses, social workers or people who have
steered their own frustrating path through the medical system. No licenses are
required to practice. There are several credentialing programs.
Pay range: $50 per hour to $200+ an hour
2. Fitness trainer. Design clients’ individual workout
routines or teach group classes. It’s not all stationary bikes and exercise
balls. You might, for example, specialize in swimming for seniors, or became
certified to teach “accessible” yoga, which adapts techniques for people with
chronic illness and disability. Instructors, for example, modify traditional
yoga positions that can work for people, whether they are in a chair or
wheelchair, or struggling with other limitations.
routines or teach group classes. It’s not all stationary bikes and exercise
balls. You might, for example, specialize in swimming for seniors, or became
certified to teach “accessible” yoga, which adapts techniques for people with
chronic illness and disability. Instructors, for example, modify traditional
yoga positions that can work for people, whether they are in a chair or
wheelchair, or struggling with other limitations.
Certification is not required by law, but most fitness clubs insist. There
are several national groups that offer some type of credential. These include
the American Council on Exercise,
the International Sports Sciences
Association and the National Strength and
Conditioning Association. For credentials, you must be certified in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pass an exam that consists of both a
written and practical demonstration. You’ll need to be up to speed on human
physiology, understand correct exercise techniques, how to assess a client’s
fitness level and know the ins-and-outs of proper exercise programs. You may
also need liability insurance. For yoga instructors, that can run you roughly
$145 a year if you teach less than six hours a week, $205 if you teach more than
six hours a week.
are several national groups that offer some type of credential. These include
the American Council on Exercise,
the International Sports Sciences
Association and the National Strength and
Conditioning Association. For credentials, you must be certified in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pass an exam that consists of both a
written and practical demonstration. You’ll need to be up to speed on human
physiology, understand correct exercise techniques, how to assess a client’s
fitness level and know the ins-and-outs of proper exercise programs. You may
also need liability insurance. For yoga instructors, that can run you roughly
$145 a year if you teach less than six hours a week, $205 if you teach more than
six hours a week.
Pay range: The typical pay is $17 an hour to $30 an hour.
But in larger cities, rates can jump to $60 per hour to $100 or more.
But in larger cities, rates can jump to $60 per hour to $100 or more.
3. Personal and Home Health Care Aide. Assist elderly, ill
or disabled people with daily activities ranging from bathing and dressing to
running errands. Other duties might include light housekeeping, companionship,
grocery shopping, meal preparation and medication monitoring. Some employers may
require a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. A criminal background
check is standard. CPR training and a driver’s license are helpful too. Contact
local care facilities for job openings and training requirements.
or disabled people with daily activities ranging from bathing and dressing to
running errands. Other duties might include light housekeeping, companionship,
grocery shopping, meal preparation and medication monitoring. Some employers may
require a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. A criminal background
check is standard. CPR training and a driver’s license are helpful too. Contact
local care facilities for job openings and training requirements.
Pay range: $7.68 per hour to $35-plus, depending on
experience and certification.
experience and certification.
4. Audiologist. Hearing loss and aging go hand in hand.
Examine, diagnose and treat individuals for symptoms of hearing loss and other
auditory, balance, and neural problems. About 64 percent worked in healthcare
facilities. You will need an AU.D degree. Career information and information on
State licensure is available from: the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Audiology Foundation of America.
Examine, diagnose and treat individuals for symptoms of hearing loss and other
auditory, balance, and neural problems. About 64 percent worked in healthcare
facilities. You will need an AU.D degree. Career information and information on
State licensure is available from: the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Audiology Foundation of America.
Pay range: $20.48 per hour to $50 and up
5. Senior Move Manager. Downsizing is your bailiwick.
Coordinate a move and configure new set-up. Typical client is moving to smaller
quarters in a retirement community and needs help choosing what moves and what’s
sold, donated or given to friends and family. For more information, contact the
National Association of Senior Move
Managers.
Coordinate a move and configure new set-up. Typical client is moving to smaller
quarters in a retirement community and needs help choosing what moves and what’s
sold, donated or given to friends and family. For more information, contact the
National Association of Senior Move
Managers.
Pay range: Fees range from $30 per hour to $75+
6. Senior Real Estate Specialist. Smooth the emotions of
selling the family home and locate a suitable step-down abode. Certification is
via The National Association of
Realtors to help 50 + clientele navigate real estate decisions.
selling the family home and locate a suitable step-down abode. Certification is
via The National Association of
Realtors to help 50 + clientele navigate real estate decisions.
Pay range: 2.5 – 3.0 percent of purchase price for
overseeing the transaction.
overseeing the transaction.
7. Aging in Place/Home Modification Pro. Senior-proof digs.
A variety of experts can get into the act from contractors to architects and
interior designers to figure ways to creatively convert or adapt homes with hand
rails, ramps, grab bars in the shower and more to stave off accidents. For more,
go to a workshop held by the National Association of
Home Builders. The course teaches design and building techniques for making
a home accessible to all ages.
A variety of experts can get into the act from contractors to architects and
interior designers to figure ways to creatively convert or adapt homes with hand
rails, ramps, grab bars in the shower and more to stave off accidents. For more,
go to a workshop held by the National Association of
Home Builders. The course teaches design and building techniques for making
a home accessible to all ages.
Pay range: $40 per hour and up
8. Retirement Coach. Counsel soon-to-be retirees on what to
do with the rest of their lives. Retirement is one of the fastest-growing
segments of the coaching industry. Career coaching is a self-regulated industry
and emerging profession. Many coaches have been doing it for years without
adding professional designations. To learn more about certification, go to the
nonprofit International Coach
Federation (ICF). The ICF is the only organization that awards a global
credential, which is currently held by over 4,800 coaches worldwide. ICF
credentialed coaches have met stringent educational requirements, received
specific coach training, and achieved a designated number of experience hours,
among other requirements.
do with the rest of their lives. Retirement is one of the fastest-growing
segments of the coaching industry. Career coaching is a self-regulated industry
and emerging profession. Many coaches have been doing it for years without
adding professional designations. To learn more about certification, go to the
nonprofit International Coach
Federation (ICF). The ICF is the only organization that awards a global
credential, which is currently held by over 4,800 coaches worldwide. ICF
credentialed coaches have met stringent educational requirements, received
specific coach training, and achieved a designated number of experience hours,
among other requirements.
Pay range: $50 per hour to $400
9. Dietician and Nutritionist. Mindful menus. Plan healthy
food and nutrition regimes and monitor meal prep. For more information, visit
the The American Dietetic Association.
food and nutrition regimes and monitor meal prep. For more information, visit
the The American Dietetic Association.
Pay range: $16 per hour to $36 and up
10. Driver. Driving Miss Daisy. Transport elderly clients
who can no longer safely drive to appointments, airports, activities, and longer
road trips.
who can no longer safely drive to appointments, airports, activities, and longer
road trips.
Pay range: From $7.67 per hour to more than $20, plus car
expenses if you use your own wheels. (Those figures vary widely depending on
experience, where you live, the number of hours worked and customer tips.)
expenses if you use your own wheels. (Those figures vary widely depending on
experience, where you live, the number of hours worked and customer tips.)
11. Recreational Therapist. It’s showtime. Provide
activities ranging from music to arts and crafts to planting and pruning for
Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at adult daycare, nursing homes and memory
care centers. According to The MetLife
National Study of Adult Day Services, there are more than 4,600 adult day
service centers across the U.S., a 35 percent increase since 2002. They employ
a range of professional from nursing professionals to social workers to art and
music therapists. There are a growing number of groups such as Lifetime Arts, offering
courses to train artists and musicians for this type of work.
activities ranging from music to arts and crafts to planting and pruning for
Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at adult daycare, nursing homes and memory
care centers. According to The MetLife
National Study of Adult Day Services, there are more than 4,600 adult day
service centers across the U.S., a 35 percent increase since 2002. They employ
a range of professional from nursing professionals to social workers to art and
music therapists. There are a growing number of groups such as Lifetime Arts, offering
courses to train artists and musicians for this type of work.
Pay range: $11.85 per hour to $30 and up
12. Financial Planner Mind money matters.
Lend your dollar sense and handholding manner to seniors struggling with
managing investments, drawing down retirement accounts, and estate planning
moves. To learn more about the training necessary, visit the Certified Financial Planner Board.
Lend your dollar sense and handholding manner to seniors struggling with
managing investments, drawing down retirement accounts, and estate planning
moves. To learn more about the training necessary, visit the Certified Financial Planner Board.
Pay range: $120 to $300 per hour; or a percentage of assets
under management, generally 1 percent to 3 percent.
under management, generally 1 percent to 3 percent.
Lots of jobs have been moved overseas, but these are jobs that really can’t
be outsourced. The population is growing old right here, and that’s good job
news.
be outsourced. The population is growing old right here, and that’s good job
news.
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