Another important use of our creativity is the expression of our ideas and values through our paid and unpaid work which might include problem solving, program or product  development, systems design, managing/mentoring human potential, and communicating with co-workers/customers.

Alternate forms of work?  Baby boomers are becoming more attuned to how we can actually borrow, develop and  share ideas from other  economic systems.  The assumption that everyone should be a full-time employee is out dated industrialist ideology. Creative ecologies are  emerging where everybody can participate.  One response to the identity-deprived global economy is to build “identity communities” and I believe this is where the creativity, maturity and experience of older workers can shine.  

For example, Germany has identified the concept of a “silver economy.”  Policy makers started promoting seniors’ economic development rather than taking a traditional social welfare and seniors’ consumption approach.  A key component to the action plan was to use existing regulatory tools to induce employment for seniors, raising the demand for seniorpreneurs’ services and re-designing jobs. 

Recently, a Bank of Montreal think tank reported many Canadian baby boomers want to enjoy the freedom to stay in the workforce, not necessarily for money, but largely to keep mentally active and to maintain creative and social interactions.  Work is an important aspect of their social identity.  See article – Ready to be a seniorpreneur? in 50plus.com.

Other Canadians are delaying plans for their retirement because of financial need. Part time, contractual, and seasonal work can have a big impact on their quality of life – as they age.

Studies abound about the impact of Canada’s aging population on the labour force. Yet, despite all the warnings, it appears Canadian employers and policy makers haven’t done much to prepare. In a survey conducted late last year by the Conference Board of Canada, more than three-quarters of organizations, or 77%, said the greying of the Canadian labour pool will be an issue for them. But the survey also indicated just 6% are making efforts to hold on to mature workers by offering more opportunities for flexibility, innovation and mentoring.

New outlets for self-expression include the digital arts, which have become very accessible as the personal computer has come down in price.  Anecdotal evidence would suggest more aging baby boomers are enthusiastically using computers to create imaginative communities on the Internet, producing videos, and home-recorded advertising commercials and electronic music.   We are presented with a great opportunity to use new media to share ideas and create new communities of interest and economy. 

Homepreneurship , cottage industry and social enterprise are important considerations for older people who need to earn extra income.

It is said the “new retirement” will include leisure activity and meaningful work.  Perhaps the indelible creative spirit is not so easily defeated by age.