Pictured are Jamestown Meals on Wheels Director Barrie Yochim, with some of the many individuals who make this program a success by delivering food to the disabled and elderly shut-ins. Submitted photo

May is “Older Americans Month.” This year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age” because we are celebrating the many attributes and contributions to the community from our wonderfully mature. We set aside this month to recognize the value exemplified from this very vibrant population. Have you noticed lately how much they are involved in helping others as volunteers or at work?

Consider what mature individuals bring to the work place. Statistics and studies have repeatedly proven their many positive qualities.

Older workers bring with them the rule of the conscientious work ethic. This translates in to dependability. They will be there, usually ahead of time. They will give you a full day’s work with their very best effort, for a full day’s pay.

Mature workers are very interested in and eager to learn new skills, are less expensive to train, and have less on the job accidents.

The mature population is computer savvy. Recent reports have indicated that the 60 plus group is the fastest rising population for computer training.

The older worker possesses experience and acquired skills. They can be evaluated for what they have been able to do in the past, not just for potential. Previous knowledge opens many avenues to even transferring abilities to a new skill. Younger workers also learn how things should be done from their older counterparts.

Our county is most fortunate to have such a valuable pool of qualified individuals to choose from for the work place. Many of them embark upon a new career by participating in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in order to update or learn new skills. This senior employment program which is administered locally by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, uses Department of Labor Funds through Senior Service America, Inc. and the New York State Office for the Aging. This gives our talented a fresh chance to transition to desired positions from paid on site assignments.

For more information you may call Linda Spaulding directly, with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, 753-4856 or through NY Connects, 753-4582.