Welcome to the September 2005 Seniors Digest!

By Timmie Faghin

Welcome to the September 2005 edition of Seniors Digest! Did you know that Baby Boomers, now starting to hit age 65, are expected to opt more and more for "phased retirement," cutting back on work but not leaving the workforce entirely? For some, the motivation is economic. Others don't want to give up what is a rewarding part of their lives. Still others will continue to work as a way of staying connected and active.

So this month, we are focusing on the issue of older workers. We'll examine some of the myths about seniors in the workforce, and we'll take a look at programs in our area that are available to help older adults during the job-hunting process...and to spread the news to employers about the many advantages seniors bring to the workplace.

Also in this issue:

• September is Healthy Aging Month!
  
  
• Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Update
  
  
• Labor Day Wordfind

* More About Tommie Collins

Tommie has a degree in psychology, and also completed course work in web design at Columbia University in New York City. In her career life, she has worked as a stockbroker, a floral designer and a legal secretary. Tommie is one of many Americans who experienced job loss after September 11, when the Manhattan company she worked for was impacted by the World Trade Center tragedy.

Tommie moved to Seattle to provide care for her 81-year-old mother, who had suffered a stroke. Now, like many people who take time from their paying jobs to provide care for a loved one, Tommie is eager to find work outside the home again as her mother recovers.

Tommie is a "people person," and has a flair for design. She also loves technology and hopes to someday start her own e-commerce business. Read on to the next article to find out about the Resume Workshop Tommie recently attended as she is taking the next steps in her career path.

About the Advisory Council

We are a volunteer citizens' group working to create choices for elders and adults with disabilities in Seattle-King County. We do this by identifying, advising and advocating for programs that promote quality of life for these populations.

Aging & Disability Services, Seattle Human Services Department and The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging