A 73-year-old retired hotel employee, Rema Powell, made the headlines in Jamaica recently. She graduated from the HEART/NSTA with a certificate in disability work.

A jubilant retiree, she looks forward to working with children with disabilities.

It elicited warm responses from a wide cross section of the society. Retirement is a recharging of the batteries for a growing number of elderly retirees who have re-entered the work world.

Many years ago I received a call from a former boss who was seeking employment after being in retirement. She learned new decorative skills and was also re-employed in a clerical post. Status was not important to her. At the time I did not understand why she would intentionally seek a junior post, as she did not lack financial resources. With time I finally understood that many retirees have a lot to contribute to the workforce and some seek to create a balance of work and leisure.

Interestingly, 37 senior citizens recently completed certification in digital literacy. This is indeed noteworthy as the saying goes, “You are never too old to learn”. As the retirement landscape evolves, new opportunities are available for retirees to retrain and develop new skills so they are not left behind in the age of artificial intelligence. Retirement is the opportune time to fulfil one’s purpose. Retirees should pursue their passion. Having the motivation to pursue their dreams can create new ventures and initiatives that lead to a fulfilling life.

Retirees who pursue further studies could also live a less stressful life. This keeps their mind active and alert.

In Japan, for example, it’s reported that retirees tend to pursue the things that they love for as long as possible, thereby enjoying a happier life. It’s important for retirees not to lose their sense of purpose and identity.

I have spoken to retirees who are happily pursuing their dreams. Some are investing, making plans for the next generation while ensuring that they don’t run out of money should they have a long stay in retirement. They have a lot to offer in terms of experience and have developed very good listening skills.

Research by the USA-based Pew Research Center on “the growth of the older workforce” provides interesting findings. It revealed that the “growth of the 65 and older workforce” in America has nearly quadrupled since the 1980s. The result is due in part to a growing ageing population. A research on the same segment of the Jamaican population should make an interesting study.

The Pew Research Centre report states that the education level among older workers is much higher than in the past. The older workers are healthier and less likely to suffer a disability than in years gone by. They are, therefore, able to spend more years in the workforce. Policy changes made to the USA’s social security benefits, which see the age for full retirement benefits changed from age 65 to 67, have influenced the older workers to work longer and desist from retiring early. The change in retirement plans offered to workers also had an impact on adult workers working longer or delaying retirement. Many employers replaced the defined benefit plans to defined contributions plans. Importantly, in a defined benefit plan the employer bears the investment risk while with the defined contributions the employees bear the investment risks.

Recently, in the media, several older Jamaicans were highlighted for their achievement of tertiary education. This augurs well for the future. The heightening of cognitive skills, and maintaining emotional and financial well-being are necessary for a meaningful and well-lived life. Working during the retirement years also helps with social interaction and networking which facilitates new relationships as well as friendships and also reduces the risk of loneliness and depression.

It’s a proven fact that senior workers are less likely to suffer from serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. As more seniors return to the work world, I recommend that the services of a competent financial advisor be sought in guiding their financial journey.

Grace G McLean is a financial advisor and retirement specialist at BPM Financial Limited. Contact her at gmclean@bpmfinancial. and visit the website: www.bpmfinancial.com. She is also a podcaster for Living Above Self. E-mail her at livingaboveself@gmail.com