These days, more seniors are working into their later years, and some are returning to the workplace after retirement. Seniors are healthier, living longer, and are more educated than previous generations. Also, some changes to retirement plans haven’t kept up, sometimes making work a necessity. Amy Hanna-Eckenrode, communications manager at CareerSource Southwest Florida, a job placement agency, adds, “Seniors are also returning to the workforce as they are looking for new opportunities to fulfill their time and personal interests.”  

Luckily, help is available, such as job placement, skills enhancement, and resume and cover letter polishing—all offered by CareerSource Southwest Florida, with five full-service area centers. Deputy director Peg Elmore states that a large variety of job skills are in demand for both full-time and part-time workers, some of which may fit their special interests or hobbies. 

There is no better time for seniors to step back into the workforce. “The opportunities are plentiful, employers are willing to work with flexible scheduling, and the need is great especially for seasoned workers who already have a special skill set, the experience, and are dependable,” adds Elmore. 

SENIOR POPULATION IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CITIES 

According to the World Population Review: 

Bonita Springs – 23,388 

Cape Coral – 41,729 

Clewiston – 925 

Estero – 15,814 

Fort Myers – 17,595 

Fort Myers Beach – 4,063 

Immokalee – 1,986 

Naples – 11,453 

Port Charlotte – 19,120 

Sanibel – 4,120 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and regular contributor to TOTI Media. 

FOR MORE INFO 

CareerSource Southwest Florida 
6800 Shoppes at Plantation Drive, Suite 170, Fort Myers 
239-931-8200; careersourcesouthwestflorida.com 

Annual Career Fair  

Hosted by CareerSource Southwest Florida 

Alico Arena on Florida Gulf Coast University Campus 

12181 FGCY Lake Parkway E, Fort Myers 

May 4, 9am–3pm