Governor Rendell Proclaims 'Employ Older Workers Week'

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed this week as 'Employ Older Workers' week in Pennsylvania to recognize the significant contributions of older workers across the state.  

More than 15 percent of Pennsylvania's population is over 65. While some older adults continue working out of financial necessity, others do so because they enjoy being active and making a difference in society. Also, many older Pennsylvanians perform important volunteer work as a way to remain active and vital in their older years.    

Estimates show that by 2020, there will be 3.2 million people over 60 in Pennsylvania. Many of them will be ready and able to work and make use of their skills, which will contribute to the success of the companies that hire them.

For more information, visit www.aging.state.pa.us or call 717-783-1549.

Media contacts:  

Jane Crawford, Aging; 717-783-1549  

Mia DeVane, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Rendell's proclamation follows:

EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK

September 19-25, 2010

Whereas, 26.5 percent of the Commonwealth's population is age 55 and older and almost 60 percent of these older Pennsylvanians are employed; and

WHEREAS, the percentage of older Pennsylvanians is expected to continue to rise, increasing by nearly 50 percent by 2030; and  

WHEREAS, according to an AARP survey, 8 out of 10 baby boomers plan to work after retirement from their primary job; and

WHEREAS, the MetLife Emerging Retirement Model Study found that 74 percent of employers are concerned about a "knowledge drain" that occurs when older workers enter retirement; and

WHEREAS, older workers bring assets to the workplace, such as responsibility, loyalty, dedication and the ability to be effective mentors to younger employees; and

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, through its Senior Community Service Employment Program, is committed to promoting the benefits of employing older workers and providing training opportunities for income-eligible older individuals.  

THEREFORE, In recognition of the important role older Pennsylvanians play in our current and future workforce, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 19-25, 2010 as EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK throughout the Commonwealth.  I encourage employers to recognize and value the talents of the Commonwealth's older workers.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor