People are living longer and that is leading to new attitudes about work and retirement. In this time of rapid change, our communities look to elders more than ever before to fill a need for wisdom and experienced leadership. At the same time, elders are increasingly seeking meaningful, extended involvement, both paid and unpaid.

Even before the current recession, many aging baby boomers were finding it more difficult to become employed or to stay employed. Now, people who thought they might retire find they may need to delay it, work part time, or even find a second job to offset losses to their savings.

Here are some facts* that show how Minnesota will change due to an “aging wave:”

 During the coming decade, the number of Minnesotans ages 55 to 69 will account for almost half of Minnesota’s population growth.

By 2035 Minnesota’s population over age 65 will grow by almost 770,000, or 125 percent. During the same period, population under age 65 will grow by only 10 percent.

  Eighty percent of baby boomers will continue working after age 65, at least in part to cover living expenses.

By 2030 8 percent of the labor force will be 65 or older, up from 3 percent in 2000.

(Figures gathered from state of Minnesota, AARP and Regional Trend Survey.)

With these facts in mind, SMIF believes that it is time to invite employers — large or small — to engage in a public conversation that dispels myths about older workers and seeks solutions that strengthen our workforce and our economy. To do so, we are holding a conference on older workers Sept. 23 to showcase the experience, knowledge and dependability inherent in this demographic.

In many ways, our foundation is a catalyst for just this type of vision in our 20-county region. One such project SMIF supported is Austin’s Project GO (Golden Opportunities) which led to a baby boomer job fair for citizens over 55 — all made possible by a $20,000 grant from SMIF to Riverland Community College. With foundation support, Project GO has also created classes and workshops aimed at helping older workers who are dislocated, unemployed or financially vulnerable.

Another effort SMIF has helped launch is a local Owatonna SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” chapter — a prime way to engage elders in mentoring and helping new entrepreneurs. As part of its mission, the foundation is also looking for ways to aid elders in starting a business or expanding a business.

In addition, SMIF is currently sponsoring asset-based community dialogues in three communities: Gaylord, Plainview and Mankato. These dialogues are designed to develop programs that value older residents as employees and volunteers.

“National Employ Older Workers Week” is Sept. 21 to 25. During this weeklong observance, SMIF is holding a conference on Sept. 23 titled “Older Workers Leading Success.” The conference takes place at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea and includes lunch and a resource packet.

At the conference, participants will have a groundbreaking opportunity to discover the economic benefits of older workers and learn the real story about the older workforce from people like Michelle Kimball, state director of AARP-Minnesota and Paula Norbom, president of Vallon LifeScience LLC. This event is a must-attend for all employers, economic development professionals, and organizational and community leaders.

We believe that one way to invest in a strong and vibrant southern Minnesota economy is to continue to tap the talent of our highly qualified older workers. The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is proud to support that effort.

To advance this agenda, won’t you consider joining us? Visit our Web site at www.smifoundation.org/new.php and click on “September 23: Older Workers Conference” and “conference registration.”

Tim Penny is the president of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.