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Job Market Can Be A Boon For Seniors

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - The struggling economy and tight job market has meant trouble for job seekers but could mean new opportunities for retirees.

That's what experts told seniors during a recent seminar at the Jimmy B. Keel Library. About a dozen people attended the "I'm retired. Now what?" session, explaining how retirees could remain active.

"This is about helping seniors find a purpose in life," said Brenda Cassato, executive director for Senior Information Resources. "So many people define themselves by their occupations and feel lost after they retire."

Psychotherapist Carol Roth said retirement can be an adjustment for many.

"When you worked, you got up, went to work, came home, ate dinner, did your chores and went to bed," she said. "Now, you have oodles of time and no place you have to be."

Roth recommended retirees make lists of their strengths and try to match that with volunteer or part-time work.

"This is a great time because many companies are looking for employees that don't need benefits and only part-time work," she said.

Some of her suggestions included working in a museum, hospital, school or grocery store.

Author Dale Smrekar, who studied human behavior, said retirees have to be careful they don't let their personality keep them from meeting new people and trying new experiences.

"Most people don't have an assertive personality and aren't as comfortable with meeting new people and experiences changes," he said. "That's why so many people become trapped in their homes when they retire.

Smrekar said it's crucial for retirees to continue expanding their social circles. Seminar leaders suggested using classes or social groups as a way to meet new people.

Douglas Fairbanks, with the Osher Lifelong Institute of USF, said the group allows seniors to keep learning on their schedule.

"If you want to come to one class or if you want to come to them all, you can," he said. "It's what you want to do when you want to it."

For socialization, Marty Katz also recommended his group the Northdale Owls. The group provides social activities for seniors who are members. Some of their upcoming events include dinner theater, a cookie exchange and volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries.
Seminar leaders also suggested volunteer opportunities such as working as an usher at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center or at America's Second Harvest of Tampa Bay.

For information about resources, visit www.seniorinformationresources.org or call (813) 388-5264.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523.

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