‘Gramma Silverwood’ loves working with people
Having the recent pleasure of dining with a nearly 99-year-old lady, I asked her secret for keeping alert and young at heart. She responded, “daily Aquasize at the YMCA and a glass of red wine with cheese at 5 p.m.” Other seniors, like 82-year-old Agnes Moberg find working at a satisfying job keeps them going, theorizing, “Why stay home, I like meeting people.”
During a recent visit to Silverwood Theme Park, Agnes (aka “Gramma Silverwood”) stood out as a contrast to most of the other park employees. Not just because of the age difference between her and the many high school and college students, but also her radiant smile and her positive attitude. Working behind the combination stroller rental and lost-and-found counter, one could tell she loves her job.
Her resume includes college courses, working in a bank, a flooring company and an auto parts store. She has three sons, three daughters, seven grandkids and eight great-grandchildren. One of the favorite aspects of her job is reuniting lost items with their rightful owners.
According to the Small Business Resource Center, there are more than 16 million Americans over age 55 who are either working or are seeking employment. Forecasts by the Social Security Administration indicate 20 percent of 70- to 79-year-olds will be working by the year 2020. AARP backs up those stats, reporting that 72 percent of today’s workers plan to work after retirement and that 33 percent of all retirees re-enter the job market with two years of retirement. A recent story in The Spokesman-Review told of photographer Mark Story’s interviews of “Supercentenarians” – those 110 years old or older. One of the traits that Story noted was that all were “hardworking people.”
Whether seniors work by choice or necessity, they “remain healthier longer, learn to be more open-minded and flexible, and often have a more fulfilling life,” says the Small Business Resource Center, adding that their “wisdom, knowledge and experience can be utilized to teach younger generations.” From what I found by visiting with “Gramma” and her less senior co-workers, it works for her.
What is your job title? “I work in the Information Center and I’m known as ‘Gramma Silverwood’.”
How long have you been doing this? “This is my first season in the Information Center, but I have worked at Silverwood in other locations for six seasons.”
How did you choose this line of work? “I didn’t – they chose me. I love to work with people.”
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “I’m paid well for the job I have.”
What is the best thing about your job? “Just being at Silverwood, my managers, the people I work with, the people I meet at the park and the little kids I get hugs from.”
What is the worst thing about your job? “Getting up in the morning and getting here.”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “I am retired and 82 1/2 years old and if my health continues the way it has, I can continue to work at Silverwood.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “No funny experiences, just fun experiences with the guest who come to the park. Nice people who are looking to have a fun time. At the end of the day I leave people with smiles on their faces.”
Any bad experiences? “No! Just fun experiences!”
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? “Carol Burnett, as she makes people laugh and feel good.”