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A plane takes off from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis. It’s been 30 years since the first frequent flier program was created, and airlines have made billions from partnerships since then. (Associated Press)
A plane takes off from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis. It’s been 30 years since the first frequent flier program was created, and airlines have made billions from partnerships since then. (Associated Press)

I have returned after a holiday visit to my hometown: Minneapolis.  Yes, it is cold there. No matter, going home always brings warmth. With every visit I notice the changes –the community has grown up and is not as it was in my childhood memories. But I still expect to run into people as they were in 1973. Didn’t happen.

I did notice that many stores – grocery and many at the mall – employee older workers. As in retired folks. Left me wondering: are these employees long-time employees or is it an established practice in the Midwest to look beyond the “gray ceiling” and employee those with longtime work experience? 

(S-R archive photo: A plane takes off from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis.)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.