Narrative: a. 1.

Colorado’s diverse economic base and low unemployment indicate positive prospects for a variety of industry sectors that require the expertise and experience that older workers can provide. The influx of the Baby Boomer generation retiring from the workforce and wanting to age in place will prompt a greater need for senior services.  When the State of Colorado conducted public input sessions to receive feedback from older adults, it was conclusive statewide that many want to remain in their homes.  Reasons for this included increased housing costs, limiting housing options, and owning homes in which mortgages were paid off.  Consequently, Colorado anticipates that the regional Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) will need to increase their capacity for supportive services.  More focus will be placed upon these agencies as targeted employment potentials for SCSEP participants throughout the state.  The benefit would be twofold; AAAs often seek the expertise of experienced, older workers, and older adults would most likely have a personal interest in the nature of the organization.  As of March 2024, the highest advertised detailed job skill in Colorado is customer service.  Following  behind is cash handling, clerical work and food preparation.  Specifically, Colorado’s scenic attractions, numerous gaming facilities, and Denver’s status as a destination location will increase employment in the tourism, hospitality, and food industries. 

There are many opportunities for our older workers in Colorado, and based on the participant’s physical ability, education, and desire to learn, the participant will be directed to job opportunities that meet their specific needs. Job opportunities include working as an administrative assistant in a law or accounting office, working in the healthcare field in hospital guest services, or as a receptionist in doctor’s offices. The jobs may also be working in retail in one of our many tourist communities, or being a host/hostess or server in a restaurant. Other possibilities may include working in social services, such as  with the state's homeless communities, in food banks and shelters, or senior centers to help make others' lives better.