Ageing, like the weather, is one of our great obsessions. Whether we’re trying to turn back the clock or tell ourselves it’s just a number, it’s never far from our thoughts, especially if the Big 40/50/60 is just around the corner.
We should instead remember the words of Mark Twain: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!”
It certainly doesn’t matter to great-grandmother June Shepherd, 81, thought to be the oldest care worker in the UK – or her employers.
June, a former auxiliary nurse, is part of a new generation of older workers who instead of putting their feet up in retirement have embarked on a new career.
June works four days a week, giving personal care and companionship to older people, a role she describes as the most rewarding she’s ever had. And rather than her age proving to be a barrier, it brings advantages both to her and those she cares for.
That’s because the older care worker comes to the job with life experience.
Many also have lots in common with the people they care for. It may be aching joints, wayward grandkids or a love of baking but there’s nothing like shared experiences to create a bond.
When coupled with compassion, tact, patience and a real desire to do the job, it’s a great combination of skills to have.
Many older care workers come to the sector having had successful careers in other areas of employment. Redundancy, a desire to do something different in later life or the experience of caring for relatives are some of the triggers for approaching the care sector.
And the ever-growing demand for adult and elderly care means there are plenty of roles available: s1jobs has vacancies for care assistants, home care workers, support workers, befrienders, and social activity co-ordinators.
Some of these are based in care homes, hospital settings or out in the community, with full-time, part-time or flexible working usually on offer.
Newer roles such as ‘community connector’ or ‘silver surfer tutor’ reflect the wider range of needs care-givers are meeting.
A community connector offers support to socially isolated older people by building their confidence to live safely at home for longer and links them to community volunteers, activities and services.
A silver surfer tutor is there to do what a helpful grandchild often does – not surf on ice, alas, but teach the basics of using the internet.
So, if you see getting over the hill as an opportunity to pick up speed, check out the latest care vacancies with s1jobs.