Older Canadians working more and are less happy: StatsCan

Five steps to help older workers balance work and life

Older Canadians are putting in longer hours at work, working later in life and most don’t seem particularly happy, according to a Statistics Canada survey.

The survey of 6,500 Canadians aged 55 plus, found that men and women over 55 spent approximately an hour a day more in paid work in 2005 than they did in 1998. It was also indicated that older Canadians are not opting for an early retirement. More than 68 per cent of men aged 55 to 64 had jobs in 2005, up from 59 per cent in 1998. Working rates among women in that age group rose to 51 per cent from 41 per cent.

When the participants were asked how healthy and satisfied they are with their lives only 20 per cent of the Canadians polled said that they were both satisfied with their life and in good health. Forty per cent responded that they were not satisfied with their life overall did not feel healthy. The remainder were somewhere in between – either they were healthy, but felt less satisfied with their life, or they were satisfied with their life but did not feel healthy.

These responses shouldn’t be a surprise, according to Judy Cutler, director of government relations for Canada's Association for the 50 Plus (CARP).

“There is a lot of stress for this age group," she said. "They are often caregivers looking after a spouse, sibling, child or even grandchildren. Many aren’t yet eligible for a pension but they are the ones to be down-sized at work and have trouble finding work because of their age.”

Cutler recommends that HR departments take the following steps to ensure the needs of older workers are being met:

•Rid your organization of ageist attitudes. It is a myth that older workers aren’t as productive or that after a certain age employees can’t learn new things.

•Encourage intergenerational activities, for example, give older workers the opportunity to mentor less experienced employees.

•Offer opportunities for older workers to retrain or develop their skills.

•Flexible work can help minimize stress for older employees who are trying to juggle work and life. Leaves of absence and telework could also be beneficial for older Canadians.

•Provide opportunities during the working day for active living programs. Many older employees would appreciate the opportunity to do something creative, relaxing or cognitive during a break or at lunch.

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