Seniors still part of active workforce

Experience does count. Seniors are the fastest growing population in the United States, and more businesses are relying on the experience and expertise of older workers to get the job done.

The positive work ethic, loyalty, and dependability of older workers is necessary for the long-term vitality of this nation. Yet, there are still negative stereotypes and a lack of understanding about the positive contributions made by older workers to this country.

As a result, Experience Works launched the Prime Time Awards Program six years ago to break down barriers associated with the hiring of older workers. Experience Works is the nation’s largest training and employment organization for mature workers.

The Experience Workssm Prime Time Awards Program recognizes an outstanding older worker from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, America’s Oldest Worker, and top employers of older workers.

The program honorees participate in special activities and events within their states throughout the year, and in Washington, D.C., in September.

The Prime Time Awards week activities include meetings with congressional representatives, U.S. Senate and U.S. House events, tours of the city’s landmarks, and an award banquet and ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

In past years, the outstanding older workers have ranged in age from 66 to 100. Last year, the average age was 78. All of the past America’s Oldest Workers have been over 100 years old and working almost full time at their professions. They include a 100-year-old architect, 102-year-old mechanical engineer, a 100-year-old doctor and a 102-year-old manufacturer. In 2002, Dr. Ray H. Crist, 102, professor of Environmental Science at Messiah College, was named America’s Oldest Worker.

To be considered for a state’s outstanding older worker or "America’s Oldest Worker," applicants must be currently employed, and work a minimum of 20 hours per week in paid employment, and be over 65 years old.

Outstanding older workers receive an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the week’s events in Washington.

To access a nomination form, visit www.experienceworks.org. To receive a nomination form by mail, send a postcard or note to Prime Time Awards, Experience Works, 2200 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. 1000, Arlington, VA 22201, or call (866) 397-9757.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.