Working in Old Age: Benefits of Participation in the Senior Community Service Employment Program

This research investigates the impact of employment on 113 older workers in three Senior Community Service Employment Programs (SCSEP). A number of quality of life variables such as life satisfaction, self-esteem, self-efficacy, empowerment, job satisfaction, and social support were explored. Results from this study indicate that regardless of length of employment with SCSEP, workers' perceived health benefited from an enhanced social network and productive lifestyle. Older workers in this study showed greater confidence in themselves resulting in increased empowerment and self-esteem as well as a heightened sense of control in their own daily lives. Those with fewer health limitations were found to have better sense of life satisfaction, felt more efficacious and empowered by their work experience, and as a result, stayed on the job longer.