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Is it common for elderly senior citizens over 65 to work a part-time job as a security guard? How does this affect their physical and mental health?

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We are in a labor shortage and the less attractive (mostly PT) jobs are being taken by retirees who are not ready to stop working but are happy to be done with their prior careers. "Second career" is a thing.

I have my eye on an a position at an incredible plant/flower nursery that has been in our community for decades (it's in the middle of a residential neighborhood). Hanging out surrounded by rows and rows of gorgeous and fragrant flowers? Peacefully watering and tending in a drama-free environment and getting paid? Where do I apply?!

Or, maybe a stint at the Apple Store, where I have often seen many women my age and older as tech helpers.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2024/04/26/a-seniors-guide-to-finding-a-rewarding-side-hustle/?sh=5ce73db377b7
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waytomisery May 20, 2024
That’s hilarious because I had the exact same thought .
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First comment..
I shudder at reading "elderly citizens over 65" ...thanks for that downer 🤣
If a person is physically and mentally able to work at any age I think they should be able to work if they wish to or if they have to.
Keeping active, having a purpose to getting up in the morning is important.

I suppose the only problem I might have is this...
As we get older our reaction time does slow. I would hope that a "security guard" has fast reaction time. And are we talking a person that is standing by a door working what might be called "loss control" or are we talking about an armed security guard?

In any case I think if a person wants to work or has to work they should be able to do any job that they are qualified to do. But I am sure employers have regulations that they have to follow if a corporate policy is that a person 65 and above can not work security they should be able to find another job that the person would qualify for.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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I have friends who are 75 still working full-time. My GFs DH will be 75 and still working. If they are happy, why not. Most Security Guards do not carry guns. They are usually in plain clothes walking the store looking for shoplifters ect. They call in the police.

65 is not old. Your not elderly at 65, I am almost 75 and don't feel I am elderly. At one time an employer could require an employee to retire at 65. No more. To make someone retire now, you have to prove they are not able to do the job.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Of course it's common. You are only as old as you feel, and thankfully most seniors don't feel their age and choose to continue to work either full or part-time.
And I say...good for them!!!
And I believe the affect on their physical and mental health would all be positive as they are still serving a purpose and doing something they enjoy.
Not sure what this has to do with caregiving, but I answered it anyway.

Oh... and P. S. and by the way...I will be turning 65 in August this year and I am FAR from being "elderly." Just FYI.
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AlvaDeer May 20, 2024
My SIL 70. 3 years retired and still substitute teaches. Loves it.
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People are working older and older age.

Are you asking for yourself, your husband?

Working in your senior years is good for people most gives them a purpose in life, there not just sitting around watching life pass you by, being lonely and depressed can effect your health a lot more.. 65 isn't that old anymore.
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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I see lots of senior citizens working and I believe it's because 35 and younger think they are to good to show up for work everyday and actually work. So they provide an opportunity for our seniors to earn extra income and have a purpose.

Our city is going to be in trouble when our seniors are to old to work, because the above will still be true, so no able person to fill the position.
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waytomisery May 20, 2024
That is not true . Not all young people don’t want to work . My kids can’t wait for the boomers above them who can no longer do their jobs effectively to retire so there is room for them to advance and earn more money .

My daughter in particular complains constantly about her own tasks being interrupted often because she is helping older employees do their jobs ( making 3X as much money as her ) who can not grasp using newer computer systems.
It’s so bad she has actually started logging how much time away from her own job to help these people over and over again with the same issues and they never learn . And she dealt with similar in her previous job , was a big reason why she changed jobs .
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Hi mwolfe - you didn't elaborate your reason for asking this question and that would really help....care to kindly explain why you ask??

Are you asking about a family member of yours who is in this role...or are you just noticing random elderly security guards ...or your interest in hiring someone over the age of 65? What is your concern??
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Reply to Hopeforhelp22
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Yes, it's common for 65+ year olds to work part time jobs these days, sometimes more than 1, in order to afford the ridiculous cost of living. My bills alone are over $500 more today, for the same things, as they were 4 years ago, thanks to inflation. How it affects one's physical and mental health is secondary to paying the bills.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Now I'm not a security guard - but to give you some context - I have been working for my company for almost 30 years - started while I was still in college.

One of my colleagues is MY MOTHER'S age. My mom has been retired a number of years. My colleague is incredibly sharp, very knowledgeable and I'm trying to absorb as much of that knowledge as I can - because when she does decide to retire - it will be a major impact.

Now, she doesn't HAVE to continue working. She just says that she loves our job and wants to continue to work.

That being said - there are plenty of people who continue to work after 65 because they have to. For a number of reasons - cost of living, little (or no) retirement savings, something happened to their retirement savings (maybe a divorce where they had to split their retirement fund, or maybe they paid a penalty to cash it out for an urgent reason,

It is sad to me that anyone who has put years into the workforce can't retire if they want to.

How does it affect their physical and mental health? Well I suppose that depends on if they like their job, if they have to vs want to continue to work, if working is worth it to them, if they see value in their work and a whole host of other things.

Just like with anyone else who works - frankly if you hate your job and it is sucking the life out of you - it doesn't matter how old you are - that is going to impact your physical and mental health.

I see tons of greeters at Walmart and they are usually over 65 and wanted some way to get out of the house and keep active. I see some security guards where I work - who are not really responsible for physically securing people so much as walking the property and checking for cars that are illegally parked, helping during fire drills, making a security presence known. Some of them have been here for years and know the property better than most. They aren't going to pull a weapon in a crisis - they would call 911. So most of the job is just about being active and walking the property (or sitting behind a desk and checking in visitors) and something they can do for a few hours a day (or even full time) without too much stress.

Continuing to work - or have some focus outside of your home that keeps you on a regular schedule - is actually a fantastic way for seniors to stay healthy. Volunteering, part time jobs, travel, senior center activities - are all great ways for someone to stay healthy and active in their golden years.
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waytomisery May 20, 2024
My DH hates what his job has evolved into after a number of reorgs. He says he wants to retire ( it’s too soon ) . But he won’t leave and get a different job either because he is building up his pension . He’s been there going on 30 years. He’s also trying to stay under the radar as much as he can . The last 5 years or so they seem to like to let go of some of the older employees with pensions at about age 60. DH will be 59 next week . Anyone hired at this company after 2007 does not have a pension . DH is one of the few left with a pension . Not recently , but they have asked to buy out his pension with a lump some . DH said no way , the amount they offered was low .

I guarantee when my DH “ retires “ it MAY last a few months and he will find a part time job. . He says NO , but I know him , he will be bored to tears . He also keeps talking about potential part time jobs he thinks he would enjoy . 😀😀
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There are a lot of young elderly people working. I do it. Unfortunately, social security only pays a portion of your salary. The pension from my job is laughable. I got booted from my job at sixty-two when the pandemic hit. Many employers acted badly during that time and decided to clean house. So, many of us found ourselves jobless. So, I've been working on and off but nothing permanent. I do enjoy the freedom, but I would like a steady paycheck again.
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