AARP Members on the Job
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-11-01 10:00:18.062562-05:00
Many say they won’t stop working at 65. For some Americans, it’s an economic choice; they want a paycheck to augment their retirement savings, pensions, and Social Security. Continuing employment also represents continuing health insurance.
Others want to work, because jobs keep them engaged, both mentally and physically, and working gives them a chance to meet new people.
Dick Chevrette, Massachusetts General Hospital
After almost 34 years of full-time employment at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dick Chevrette decided to retire on a part-time basis. Chevrette, a 61-year-old father of three grown children and four grandchildren from Rockland, wanted to ease into retirement and take care of some health issues. He worked with his supervisor in the Security and Police department to develop a reduced work schedule that would enable him to retain retiree health coverage and continue providing a safe environment for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.
“Mass. General cares about its patients, but they also care about and are loyal to their employees,” says Chevrette.
Edward Jacobson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Companies are often looking for experienced people with up-to-date knowledge. This was the case for Edward Jacobson, a 64 year-old Bostonian who retired from M.I.T. in 2004 after 15 years of employment in finance, administration, and operations. A year later, Jacobson returned to M.I.T. at the request of management to train his replacement, and soon found himself back at the school as a part-time employee.
Jacobson’s return was a win-win situation. “M.I.T. is a wonderful place to work,” he says. “With retirees, the learning curve is much smaller and the institutional knowledge of the company’s culture, policies, and procedures is not lost.”
Meet Other 50+ Workers in the Bay State
“I believe good health insurance, including dental, with a large percentage paid for by the employer would be another incentive to come to work, be at work, and stay at work. A healthy worker is more productive and sound to the employer.”
April King, Dorchester
“My husband Bob and I work full-time, and sometimes a little part-time. Neither of us have ever had large salary jobs. I am a 20-year draftsperson. Bob works at a local factory for a low wage. He also receives a minimal pension. With the cost of living so high, we work out of necessity.”
Susan and Bob Roye, Salisbury
“When I was 47, I had a stroke on Veteran’s Day and was back at work by the first of the year. I cannot afford to give up my health insurance benefits. I continue working in the same industry I have worked in for 30 years, sometimes working 60 hours a week. Many of my fellow workers who are well over the traditional retirement age are either working to secure medical benefits or to supplement their medical bills.”
Leonard Dankner, Cambridge
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