Comments on: It is a good time to rethink retirement http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/2009/03/22/it-is-a-good-time-to-rethink-retirement/ Lexington Herald-Leader columnist Tom Eblen Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:06:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Robynn Pease http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/2009/03/22/it-is-a-good-time-to-rethink-retirement/#comment-3085 Robynn Pease Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:44:06 +0000 http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/?p=2330#comment-3085 Dear Tom, I recently read your column on "It's a good time to rethink retirement" and would like to encourage you to write more about the changing landscape of retirement. There are many interesting places to go for information, such as Civic Ventures or the Sloan's Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Upon the request of the Center on Aging and Work, the University of Kentucky's College of Arts and Sciences participated in a national survey that has some interesting findings, including the idea that older workers are more engaged and committed to their work than younger cohorts of employees. Another interesting finding, the work environment seems to tolerate people working flexible work hours to accomodate child care but has little support for those providing elder care. Another area of potential exploration would be the idea of "Aging in Place." LFUCG participated in a national initiative to address this issue, but that program has fizzled due to changes in staff and mayoral administrations. Finally, don't forget the changing cultural and social stereotypes of growing old. As your article conveyed, we're in a very interesting socio-economic period that challenges negative stereotypes of older adults. I must say, I whole-heartedly disagree with your stereo-type of the state worker. In my prior work for LFUCG, working as the Program Admnistrator for Aging Services, I did the work of 2-3 individuals on a daily basis on a minimum salary. I worked with many similar situated employees at both the state and local level. Many developed chronic illnesses - I suspect from the daily stress they encountered. I now work at the University of Kentucky as the Director of Work-Life. The salary (despite raises, the support staff for the responsiblities of the office are great in comparison to what existed at the city!). Nevertheless, you were on the right track with your ideas and because aging is so marginalized in this society, more information to speak to the positive experiences of older Americans and the changing landscape of old age would be appreciated. Sincerely, Robynn Pease robynn43@yahoo.com Dear Tom,
I recently read your column on “It’s a good time to rethink retirement” and would like to encourage you to write more about the changing landscape of retirement. There are many interesting places to go for information, such as Civic Ventures or the Sloan’s Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Upon the request of the Center on Aging and Work, the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts and Sciences participated in a national survey that has some interesting findings, including the idea that older workers are more engaged and committed to their work than younger cohorts of employees. Another interesting finding, the work environment seems to tolerate people working flexible work hours to accomodate child care but has little support for those providing elder care. Another area of potential exploration would be the idea of “Aging in Place.” LFUCG participated in a national initiative to address this issue, but that program has fizzled due to changes in staff and mayoral administrations.
Finally, don’t forget the changing cultural and social stereotypes of growing old. As your article conveyed, we’re in a very interesting socio-economic period that challenges negative stereotypes of older adults.
I must say, I whole-heartedly disagree with your stereo-type of the state worker. In my prior work for LFUCG, working as the Program Admnistrator for Aging Services, I did the work of 2-3 individuals on a daily basis on a minimum salary. I worked with many similar situated employees at both the state and local level. Many developed chronic illnesses - I suspect from the daily stress they encountered. I now work at the University of Kentucky as the Director of Work-Life. The salary (despite raises, the support staff for the responsiblities of the office are great in comparison to what existed at the city!).
Nevertheless, you were on the right track with your ideas and because aging is so marginalized in this society, more information to speak to the positive experiences of older Americans and the changing landscape of old age would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Robynn Pease
robynn43@yahoo.com

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