Why is a Career important for the Elderly Indian?
Unlike in the US, Europe and other developed countries, where the social security system
and health services take care of the retired elderly, the resources in India, both from
the government and the private sectors is very limited to provide the Senior Indian
Citizen many basic benefits like health care, food, housing and insurance.
Many children of this generation are sadly neglecting the needs of their parents. Infact
the joint family system has broken down leading the youngsters to stay away from their
parents most often letting the elders fend for themselves.
Many of the retired Indians have invariably borrowed heavily on their retirement funds to
conduct their daughter's marriage or for some such expense. Invariably they are not able
to pay this back.
For all these reasons it is upto the elderly to find a definite source of income for
themselves. And what better way to do it than find a comfortable job?
But a career is not for economic reasons alone. It keeps the elderly physically and
mentally occupied, and in turn helps them to lead an active life. It also increases their
self confidence and esteem. So even those who are financially comfortable can decide to
take up a career and enjoy the benefits of healthy living. |
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What if the Senior Citizen wants to lead a quiet life and not
take up a job?
While a "quiet life" may seem an excellent idea for people who have worked all
their lives, most of the elders cannot remain idle and sit back after a while.
Moreover, the invaluable benefit of being in good health by keeping the body and mind
busy, cannot be over emphasized.
So, to work or not is an individual decision that will have to be taken depending on one's
own desire. The work need not necessarily be a paid job. It could even be voluntary
service or work rendered by a neighbourhood association. One could teach music or take
cookery classes.
There is no doubt that a person who is active is sound in body and mind. |
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But the jobs open to most elders are limited!
This is unfortunately true. It is for the society to recognise this and make available
more jobs for the elderly. It is not enough to just consider an elderly person for a job,
but to actively work towards creating jobs for the elders. The Central and State
Governments should look at this growing elderly population and make available those kind
of jobs that Senior Citizens can handle comfortably. It is the humble request of
SeniorIndian.com to people in position and power to consider this seriously. |
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What does the elderly person have to do to increase the chances
of being comfortably employed?
With age comes the ability to shut out all that is new. This should be avoided. The
computer for instance is a powerful tool. It has become very user friendly- that is anyone
with a bit of practice can learn to operate the computer to do many tasks like send and
receive e-mails, or enter day to day accounts. This may seem difficult, but is quiet easy
as one learns.
It is also important to give attention to personal hygeine. There is a lot of difference
between a shabby elderly person and a smart elder.
One should learn to adjust with society and accept some limitations. The job offered may
not always be exactly of the same status as when one was younger. But it is the dignity of
work that matters. |
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Interviews
- Some important points to remember.
- The interview is meant to find out what the employers need from you and what you can
offer to do for them. So be prepared to tell them what you can do.
- Do not bore them with all your life stories from pre-independence days. An interview
should be a dialogue. Encourage them to tell you what they expect from you.
- Tell them about your most important personal achievements or where you worked and any
salient points.
- Get your Curriculum Vitae ready. At your age you may have a lot to write about, so
decide what are the most important among them.
- You may be asked why you resigned or why you wish to take up a second job. If you have
lost your previous job, or are looking for a new job because you need the money badly,
remember that these are normal things that happen to everyone. Remember to be prepared to
give a good reason why you need the job, instead of pouring out your personal problems.
- You have to adjust with the younger work force or management. There may be an age
divide, but let that not come in the way of your relationship.
- Take the advice of others whom you feel maybe in a position to tell you what an employer
expects.
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| Please write to SeniorIndian.com and place your advts. free of cost in
the "Jobs Wanted" column of the Classifieds. |
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