Four years ago, during the pandemic, older workers began exiting the workforce in large numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more individuals aged 65 and older left the workforce in 2020 than any year since 1948, when the U.S. started tracking the data.

Many of those who left during the early part of the pandemic have returned to work since then; more than half, according to a paper by T. Rowe Price Thought Leadership Director Judith Ward, a Certified Financial Planner. Of the 2.4 million additional people who retired in 2020, 1.5 million had "unretired" by March 2022. These figures indicate a trend of older workers retiring and subsequently deciding to return to work for various reasons, including seeking income or mental stimulation.

In this episode Harriet Edleson shares insights from her article “Finding Your Encore Career” published earlier this year in the online newsletter Next Avenue, "featuring news, advice, information, conversations and stories curated for people over 50”. Her article includes retirees, some aged 73, discussing strategies for how and why they returned to the workforce. Edleson also authored the book “12 Ways to Retire on Less: Planning an Affordable Future”. She is a former staff writer, editor, and producer for AARP, and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Kiplinger's Retirement Report.

The loss of a family member often necessitates surviving members to take on new roles and responsibilities. This transition can be both challenging and transformative. One poignant example is the experience of Dr. Phyllis Connelly, who faced the unexpected passing of Kevin after close to 40 years of marriage.

Two years following her loss, Dr. Connelly shares coping mechanisms which included creating an informal 'support group' named “Weeping Widows.” This small cluster of women was formed to navigate the grieving process more effectively. Phyllis found that bonding with others going through a similar experience provided a sense of solidarity and understanding that was crucial in helping her to move forward.

We also discuss the practical stresses that accompany such a significant transition. Managing finances, covering bills, and maintaining the household can exacerbate the emotional burden of grief. Phyllis's group offered not only emotional support but also practical advice and assistance, helping members adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.

By sharing their grief and building new lives, her sociable collection of “Weeping Widows” provided an opportunity for members to support each other and adapt in ways that honor both individual and collective needs. Including refining family traditions, roles, and friendships.

In 2023 Troy J. Broussard moved to Louisville from Baton Rouge to accept the position of AARP Kentucky State Director. In this episode he shares some of his proudest achievements / accomplishments in this past year. Including testifying before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and how this advocacy supports the AARP mission to serve our Veterans. Troy also shares a couple of things we likely know about AARP and something we likely don't know. For example, anyone can become a member of AARP at age 18 years of age! Our new state director is in it for the long haul as Troy also shares his vision for the future of AARP Kentucky.