Why is a Career important for the Elderly Indian ... - Senior Experts

Why is a Career important for the Elderly Indian?Unlike in the US, Europe and other developed countries, where the social security system and healthservices take care of the retired elderly, the resources in India, both from the government and theprivate sectors is very limited to provide the Senior Indian Citizen many basic benefits like health care,food, housing and insurance.Many children of this generation are sadly neglecting the needs of their parents. In fact, the joint familysystem has broken down leading the youngsters to stay away from their parents most often letting theelders fend for themselves.Many of the retired Indians have invariably borrowed heavily on their retirement funds to conduct theirdaughter's marriage or for some such expense. Invariably they are not able to pay this back.For all these reasons it is upto the elderly to find a definite source of income for themselves. And whatbetter way to do it than find a comfortable job?But a career is not for economic reasons alone. It keeps the elderly physically and mentally occupied,and in turn helps them to lead an active life. It also increases their self confidence and esteem. So eventhose who are financially comfortable can decide to take up a career and enjoy the benefits of healthyliving.What if the Senior Citizen wants to lead a quiet life and not take up a job?While a "quiet life" may seem an excellent idea for people who have worked all their lives, most of theelders cannot remain idle and sit back after a while.Moreover, the invaluable benefit of being in good health by keeping the body and mind busy cannot beover emphasized.So, to work or not is an individual decision that will have to be taken depending on one's own desire.The work need not necessarily be a paid job. It could even be voluntary service or work rendered by aneighborhood association. One could teach music or take cookery classes.There is no doubt that a person who is active is sound in body and mind.But the jobs open to most elders are limited!This is unfortunately true. It is for the society to recognize this and make available more jobs for theelderly. It is not enough to just consider an elderly person for a job, but to actively work towardscreating jobs for the elders. The Central and State Governments should look at this growing elderlypopulation and make available those kinds of jobs that Senior Citizens can handle comfortably. It is thehumble request of SeniorIndian.com to people in position and power to consider this seriously.Home Page: http://www.seniorindian.com/

What does the elderly person have to do to increase the chances of being comfortably employed?With age comes the ability to shut out all that is new. This should be avoided. The computer for instanceis a powerful tool. It has become very user friendly‐ that is anyone with a bit of practice can learn tooperate the computer to do many tasks like send and receive e‐mails, or enter day to day accounts. Thismay seem difficult, but is quiet easy as one learns.It is also important to give attention to personal hygiene. There is a lot of difference between a shabbyelderly person and a smart elder.One should learn to adjust with society and accept some limitations. The job offered may not always beexactly of the same status as when one was younger. But it is the dignity of work that matters.Interviews ‐ Some important points to remember• The interview is meant to find out what the employers need from you and what you can offer todo for them. So be prepared to tell them what you can do.• Do not bore them with all your life stories from pre‐independence days. An interview should bea dialogue. Encourage them to tell you what they expect from you.• Tell them about your most important personal achievements or where you worked and anysalient points.• Get your Curriculum Vitae ready. At your age you may have a lot to write about, so decide whatare the most important among them.• You may be asked why you resigned or why you wish to take up a second job. If you have lostyour previous job, or are looking for a new job because you need the money badly, rememberthat these are normal things that happen to everyone. Remember to be prepared to give a goodreason why you need the job, instead of pouring out your personal problems.• You have to adjust with the younger work force or management. There may be an age divide,but let that not come in the way of your relationship.• Take the advice of others whom you feel maybe in a position to tell you what an employerexpects.Home Page: http://www.seniorindian.com/