By: Barbara Bowes

OK, OK, so you've been dying your hair for the last 10 years, applied multiples of wrinkle-reducing face cream, and checked out the true value of both Viagra and Botox, but there is no way around it -- another birthday is coming your way.

You see, no matter how hard you try to hide it, age is something you can't control. Your body will tell you that, if no one else will.

Unfortunately, some people are so taken with the aging process that instead of valuing what they've learned and experienced, they see each milestone as another nail in their coffin. This only serves to create an embittered and helpless attitude that would not only turn off a new employer, but causes you to lose friends as well.

On the other hand, from a workplace perspective, I know there are certainly a lot of myths that devalue older workers and cloud the hiring process. But the only thing in life you can control is yourself and your attitude, so let's start at the beginning -- with you.

You've heard the popular saying that the age of 80 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 40; well, it's true. There are so many opportunities and so many choices for experienced older workers that the real challenge is how to select the right one for you, whether it is for paid or non-paid work or simply pure retirement.

Frankly, I'm surprised that a lot of people don't give themselves credit for the skills and experience they have. Instead, they narrowly view themselves as their job title instead of a bundle of skills and attributes. The problem is that most people take themselves for granted.

They are so good at their jobs that they just do it without thinking. However, they never take time to think about themselves.

For instance, when was the last time you sat down and analysed how much you've gained because of your experience? When was the last time that you drew up a comprehensive list that described the breadth and depth of skills you've acquired over the years? When was the last time you asked yourself, "What really makes me happy?" or "What do I want to be doing 80 per cent of the time?"

Well, whether you have been forced out of work because of the economic situation, if you have been home with children for a number of years or if you have this needling sense of anxiety and unhappiness in your job or life, now is the time to examine what you have gained throughout your paid and unpaid career.

Start by making a chart for yourself -- label three groupings: What did I do, How did I do it and What skills did I use? Then begin analysing every task in every job including volunteer work. Keep on identifying elements until you start experiencing the repetition of thoughts.

At this point, you will begin to see a natural grouping of skills. Your next step is to group those skills into three or possibly four themes, Once you have completed this, stand back and identify those themes. What are they? Keep massaging the phrases until it clearly reflects the skills listed in your theme list.

Simple as it sounds, this process creates an amazing transformation among people as they begin to recognize and accept the multitude of skills they have. And once you have completed this exercise, you will feel an increased sense of self-esteem. Wow! You really are somebody.

Not only that, you'll be able to envision other areas where you can apply your skills.

You can envision yourself in a different job, in a different location and/or a different industry sector. You'll see opportunity everywhere. And you'll be fully prepared to become the next older worker "mythbuster." With your newfound knowledge and strong self-esteem, let's see how many of the following myths you crush.

Older workers aren't flexible or adaptable. They resist change.

Count the number of times you have changed jobs, dealt with organization structure changes, learned to work with a new boss and/or a new colleague. How many times did you have to adapt to new policies, new procedures? Add flexibility and adaptability to your resumé.

Older workers can't or won't learn new skills.

Unless you are still pounding away at an old Smith Corona typewriter, or still using the first of the older CMC machines, you've had to learn a lot of new technical skills in your career. How many times did you attend workshops and seminars on new products, new services and new ways of doing things? Add continuous learner to your resumé.

Older workers take more sick days than younger workers.

In reality, it has been proven that attendance records for older workers are far better than for younger ones. Some employees have collected sick days that amount to over one year! Check out your record. I suspect you can add good attendance to your resumé.

Older workers are less productive.

Productivity has nothing to do with age; instead, it has everything to do with skills and attitude. Your experience alone helps to ensure high quality work that in turn results in higher cost savings and profitability for your employer. Then again, experience and knowledge helps to ensure that mistakes are caught just in time. Add high performing to your resumé.

Older workers are not as creative or as innovative as younger workers.

Once again, in reviewing your career, take a look at how many times you created new forms or templates or recommended a change to processes within your workplace. The reality is that the more knowledgeable and experienced you are, the more you can see opportunities for innovation and performance improvements. Add process improvement philosophy to your resumé.

Older workers are more expensive.

Yes, I concede, you might indeed be expensive, but you are worth it and companies need to pay for your skill and experience. When you consider the cost of turnover, the cost of mistakes, the savings achieved through your innovations, believe me, you are worth every penny. Be sure to identify in your cover letter how you can contribute to the company -- show them value.

Birthdays come and go but whether we like it or not, our age continues to climb on its normal course. The challenge for everyone then is what to make of it? Believe me, a positive attitude, a zest for life, a strong sense of self-esteem and the knowledge of what you are good at and what you want to do, will take you far.

Source: Setting the Record Straight: Eight Myths About Older Workers, Barbara Jaworski, The Workplace Institute.


Barbara J. Bowes, FCHRPO, CMC, is president of Legacy Bowes Group and vice-president of Legacy Executive Search Partners, Manitoba. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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