Empowering Mature-Age Workers: A Grand(parents) Solution to Ageism

Empowering Mature-Age Workers: A Grand(parents) Solution to Ageism Through 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care

I recently wrote about the problem of ageism in the workplace in my article, “Solution to Age-Old Problem is to make Oldies Work Longer” and this has been playing on my mind for a long time trying to think of something that may work for mature-age workers and time-poor working parents.

Link to my earlier article: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/solution-age-old-problem-make-oldies-work-longer-jane-jackson

Those of you who follow me will know I’m a career coach who specialises in career transition, and I work with mid-to-late career professionals who are navigating their career crossroads due to redundancy, or a desire to do something different and more meaningful.

For over 20 years I have provided a valuable service to help my clients bounce back from redundancy and create a career that is rewarding and fulfilling.

I doubt I will ever want to retire! I’m 64 years old and I love my work. I want to keep providing career support to those who need it. I provide a service that makes a positive impact on the lives of everyone I work with; my work gives me meaning, and I thrive on making a positive difference in the lives of others.

This is no different to most of us who are over 50, over 60 or even over 70.

Purpose and meaningful activity in our lives is what drives us.

However career change as a mature-age worker is not always embraced by organisations and many mature-age workers I coach express frustration at how they feel they are treated in the job search process.

In addressing the challenge of ageism and our desire to continue to make a contribution to our community and do something that matters, I’ll share my personal experience and an idea that may have wings.

I have two daughters who are career driven professionals, each with a beautiful young son, (one is 3 years old and one is 4). ?Both boys go to day care a few days a week and on Mondays I provide day care to one grandson, on Wednesdays I provide day care to my other grandson.?

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays I fit 5 days of work into 3 days as a career transition coach and corporate trainer!?

Yes, my life and work are a juggle yet I absolutely LOVE it, I get a lot done that makes a positive impact, and my days with my grandsons are so very precious.

But, what about all the families who DON’T have parental support and rely on commercial day-care centres in order to balance life, babies and work??

Something, I believe is missing.

That 'something' is the regular care of a loving older adult who is able to focus on the wellbeing of a child 100%, providing the love, attention and care that most grandparents delight in offering.

So, I have a Big Idea … what about the provision of 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care, where mature-age workers create a valuable service for families in need?

Let's delve into why I believe this idea is not just innovative but also a viable business.

The Growing Need for 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care:

The Australian population is ageing rapidly, leading to an increased demand for child care as many families live far away from their parents due to work commitments.

A significant percentage of Australian families rely on grandparents for day care support because the cost of traditional day care services, coupled with the scarcity of available slots, that has made alternative solutions more attractive.

Statistics on Family Reliance on Grandparents:

A substantial number of Australian families rely on grandparents for day care. Recent surveys indicate that many families with working parents depend on grandparents to provide care for their children during working hours.

According to the July 2022 report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, just over one in four grandparents with a grandchild aged under 13 years were providing child care at least once a week. More frequent child care was more likely for younger grandchildren.

This dependency reflects the strong familial bonds and the trust placed in grandparents as caregivers.

The Financial Benefits for Families:

Traditional day care services come at a considerable cost to families, often straining budgets and limiting career choices for parents. 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care may offer a more affordable and personalised alternative.

Why not leverage the experience and love of mature-age workers who are seeking a purpose and passion in their later career who have a relatively stable financial base so are choosing to work because they want to make a difference, not just for the money? Families could ensure quality care for their children without the hefty price tag associated with conventional day care services.

Cost of Traditional Day Care:

The cost of traditional day care services has been steadily rising, creating financial stress for many families. On average, families can spend tens of thousands of dollars annually on child care, making it a significant portion of their household expenses.

'Grandparent-Style' Day Care could not only provide a cost-effective solution but also introduces a unique intergenerational connection that benefits both children and caregivers.

Benefits of 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care:

·????? Emotional Connection: Mature-age caregivers bring a wealth of life experience and emotional intelligence, fostering a strong bond with the children they care for. This would benefit the child and the care-giver.

·????? Affordability: Compared to traditional day care, 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care may offer a more budget-friendly option for families, easing the financial burden on parents.

·????? Flexible Hours: Mature-age workers, often with flexible schedules, can provide day care services during hours that accommodate the needs of working parents.

·????? Educational Enrichment: Mature age workers and grandparents often possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that can be shared with the children, creating a rich learning environment.

Benefits of Grandparent-Style Day Care for the care-giver?

For mature age workers with a genuine love for children, who meet all care-giver certifications and legal requirements, this provides an opportunity to provide a meaningful and rewarding service for families who would appreciate the wisdom, mature and nurturing approach that ‘grandparent-style care’ would provide.

As long as the care-giver is in good health and is able, then this is an opportunity to be embraced by parents and mature-age workers.

In conclusion, I believe the idea of 'Grandparent-Style' Day Care not only addresses the challenges of ageism in the workforce for mature age workers who genuinely want to continue to contribute and make a difference in the community, but also provides a viable solution to the increasing demand for affordable and high-quality child care.

By empowering mature-age workers to create businesses that cater to the needs of families, we can forge a path towards a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all who will benefit.

Of course at this stage, this is an idea that may fill a need, and there are many practicalities that need to be worked out.

What are your thoughts? Will this help mature-age workers and young families juggling work, raising children and multiple priorities?

I would welcome any additional ideas and ways to overcome obstacles that setting up something like this in Australia many encounter.

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