Listen Now: Morning News

Seniors go back to class to learn some new skills

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – You hope to retire at 65, maybe even a little earlier, but more and more seniors are finding that harder to do.

With Americans living longer and going through their savings faster, many people over the age of 50 are finding it benefits them to stay in the job they have or find one they want.

The AARP Foundation of West Virginia held a job workshop in Charleston Tuesday for those 50 and older. Twenty-eight people participated, many of them in their 70s and 80s.

Robin Bowman, with the Foundation, said it’s not that the seniors lack skills, in fact they have a lot to share, but rather they don’t always understand today’s hiring process.

“Folks, of this age, don’t always look for a job the way we do now,” explained Bowman. “They are still in the days where you go downtown and you go from employer to employer and hand out a resume.”

The workshop gives seniors tips on how search for a job online. They also get a resume update. Bowman said it’s important that seniors know you don’t have to start with your employment history from the time you were 18.

Then there’s the process of convincing seniors that they have a lot to offer employers, especially customer service.

“They grew up in the day where they did everything by hand shake. They spoke to people,” explained Bowman.

She said that can sometimes be a hard quality to come by in younger workers because they’re used to doing everything on a computer or mobile device.

Bowman stressed the biggest hurdle, for many of the seniors taking the workshop, is to convince them they are qualified.

“What we really want them to walk away with is confidence,” said Bowman. “They can get the job. They have the skills needed and the abilities to do the job when they get it!”

For some seniors it’s a chance to try their hand at a job they’ve always wanted to do or go out on a limb and try something completely new.

Bowman said the workshop is all about encouraging seniors.

“First of all you have to decide what you want to do. You don’t want to go to work and not enjoy what you’re doing,” Bowman said. “So we teach them to look for jobs they’re going to enjoy and then look for jobs that are in demand.”

This was the AARP Foundation’s second workshop. Bowman said they plan to hold them monthly. To sign up, call 1-855-250-2525.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments