"As we all live longer, people find that living on a retirement income, on pensions and social security just doesn't support everything that they hoped their lifestyle to be," said John Gomperts, president of Civic Ventures and CEO of Experience Corps. "And secondly, and probably more profoundly, there is a need as we grow older to do that which has meaning, those things that have purpose, that leave a legacy, something larger than yourself."
Charlie Conklin knows that feeling well. After 36 years at Bethlehem Steel, the manager found himself drawn to environmental issues. He left the Sparrows Point plant in 1995, but instead of making a beeline for the golf course, he headed straight for tree-plantings and other conservation efforts.
"I have an interest in providing for your children and mine, for future generations, to be able to pass along what we have been so blessed with," said Conklin, 71, who volunteers with many organizations, including the Baltimore County Department of Aging's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. "I probably feel a greater sense of urgency now than all those years I was working for Bethlehem Steel and was being held accountable for my salary."
To meet the needs of this new generation of seniors, businesses and post-career programs have sprung up locally and around the country.
Arnold J. Eppel, director of Baltimore County's Department of Aging, said his office is conducting several workshops in the next few months to help seniors navigate a new world of work - and teach potential employers how to attract talented retirees.
One such workshop, Success to Significance, invites nonprofits such as Goodwill, United Way, Maryland Food Bank and Meals on Wheels to investigate how Baby Boomers and recent retirees can fit into their organizations. The county also is holding a "re-hirement" fair Oct. 30 and a volunteer fair the day before.
"Your typical Baby Boomer is leaving a management position and is looking for opportunities to engage, but they don't want to put stamps on envelopes," Eppel said. "I understand that. I'm 52 and I'm studying for my master's degree in geriatric services. This is a real change for a lot of people. You know how it is. At 25 you're saying, 'I can't wait to retire.' Now that I'm 52, I can't imagine retiring. I don't know what I'd do all day long."
Companies such as SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), Experience Corps and ReServe all work to bring together groups or people who want help with older adults willing to provide it.
