Kirsten Gillibrand on Older Americans Returning to Work

Contributions of Older Adults

• 💡 Older adults possess tremendous wisdom, work ethic, and skills that significantly contribute to the economy.
• 🧠 An example is Jerry Shapiro, who worked well into her 80s or 90s as a resident expert on Indian Point, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to meaningful contribution.

Reasons for Returning to Work

• 🎯 Many people wish to return to work for mental stimulation and community involvement.
• 💰 However, a significant number, 42% of private sector employees without employer retirement plans and 44% who don't participate, return to work out of financial necessity.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Another factor is stepping back to care for children or aging parents, impacting savings and necessitating a return to work.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

• 🚀 The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), an Older Americans Act program, assists older adults facing employment barriers like homelessness or disability.
• ✅ SCSEP is crucial for training and placing older adults in meaningful employment they enjoy.
• 📜 The program underscores the importance of passing the Older Americans Act reauthorization.

Importance of Older Workers

• 📈 Older adults clearly provide incredible contributions to the workforce.
• 🗣️ Their return to work should ideally be driven by personal desire rather than solely financial obligation.