Still Going Strong! Tips for Seniors to Keep Thriving at Work

The other day, I read a survey in a newspaper showing that most people actually want to keep working even after turning 70. But here's the catch — while many want to keep working, most of them aren't all that interested in improving their skills to stay employable. Honestly, I felt pretty disappointed by that.

So, in this post, I want to share some tips to help middle-aged and senior folks enjoy a more fulfilling work life and take control of their future.

The “Useless Old Guy/Lady” Stereotype

Let's face it. In today’s Japanese society, people’s views about senior workers are shifting. But not always in a good way. You hear labels like “useless old guy/lady” or “weakening middle-aged and senior workers” being tossed around, and as someone in that age group myself, it really ticks me off. But seriously, is that really true?

Just because someone turns 50, 55, or hits some other so-called milestone, does their ability suddenly drop off a cliff? Of course not. If anything, companies and their HR systems are missing out on the potential value and capabilities that senior workers bring to the table.

Once you hit 50 or 55, many companies start throwing stuff at you like mandatory retirement from managerial positions, reassignment, or pay cuts. And the worst part? These decisions come from the company, not the employee. It’s no wonder senior workers feel frustrated and lose motivation. In fact, I’d say it’s these systems themselves that are creating the whole “useless old guy/lady” and “weakening middle-aged and senior workers” problem.

But here’s the thing. Japan’s got this “go along to get along” culture where a lot of senior workers feel like they have no choice but to accept whatever system’s thrown their way. Meanwhile, with the population aging and the workforce shrinking, the value of senior workers is more important than ever. So, some companies are starting to scrap or extend retirement age.

Still, the reality is, a lot of senior workers are stuck in tough situations. So what can we do to make our careers more fulfilling? That’s where we’ve got to take matters into our own hands.

The Power of Job Crafting

One idea worth looking into is something called “Job Crafting.” Basically, it’s about taking control of your own job by adjusting tasks, relationships, and your overall approach to work to better suit your skills and interests. When you do this, you’re more likely to find meaning in your work and feel a greater sense of satisfaction.

The word “crafting” makes me think of “craft beer” or “craft soda” — stuff made with care and creativity. And Job Crafting is kind of like that: designing your job to fit you like a well-crafted piece of art.

Professor Takao from Tokyo Metropolitan University says:

“If you can enhance your work satisfaction by adding your own unique touch and making the most of your strengths, then it’s worth giving a shot. This kind of self-initiated approach to work is what we call Job Crafting.”

And then there’s Professor Dorien Kooij from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, who researches aging and work, career development, motivation theory, and employee well-being. According to her studies, Job Crafting can positively impact things like job fit, engagement, employability, and performance. In other words, when senior workers actively shape their jobs, they can build better careers and open up new opportunities.

So, what’s so great about Job Crafting?

1. You can redesign your work to match your strengths and interests → leading to a more satisfying work life.

   
   

2. You can find your own meaning in the work you do → boosting your motivation and engagement.

   
   

3. You can take control of your career → reducing anxiety about the future and improving your employability.

This approach isn’t just for senior workers — it’s useful for everyone. Using your experience and knowledge to explore new career possibilities helps you grow as a person and benefits society as a whole.

Wrapping Up

For senior workers to truly enjoy a fulfilling career, Job Crafting is a key ingredient. By actively shaping and adjusting your work, you can balance personal growth and making valuable contributions to society. And for that, boosting your skills and abilities is essential. Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges — that’s what I intend to keep doing.

On the flip side, companies need to create an environment that supports career development for senior workers. That means:

1. Promoting a workplace culture that encourages Job Crafting.

   
   

2. Providing frameworks that make it easier for workers to customize their work.

   
   

3. Offering opportunities for continuous learning and skill improvement.

The truth is, senior workers still get slapped with labels like “useless” or “weak.” But we can prove them wrong. Let’s keep pushing forward, show our worth, and become irreplaceable contributors to our work and society.

That’s the message I really wanted to share with you today.