The Wall Street Journal wrote an interesting story about more older Americans entering the labor market, and many becoming caregivers. The article profiled Diane Richards, a Registered Nurse who began working at a home care agency at the age of 81! Seniors are taking personal care and companionship positions at home-care agencies which aren’t extremely labor intensive and can boost their income. The number of people older than 65 working or seeking work has increased by 6.4 million or 144% over the past two decades according to the Labor Department, while the broader labor force grew by about 13% during the same time period. These older workers can be more dependable and often more flexible about working weekend shifts than younger workers. They can also identify and empathize with the aches and pains which come with aging.
