09/04/08

This is the story of 75 year old Viola Scott who like some her age are forced to go back into the workforce or remain at their jobs longer than they may have desired too.

She has social security and a pension but it only covers her health insurance, which recently went up. She wishes she could retire like her friends but right now it’s not financially possible.

Scott, who works as the bookkeeper at the Twin Falls Senior Center says, "They're able to get out and do things and go places that I'm not able to because I have a job to go to."

According to the Association of Retired Persons, 16 percent of Idahoans are over the age of 60.

Currently over 617,000 meals are served at the senior centers across the state and 524,000 meals are delivered to Idaho seniors who are homebound. Like other senior centers, the Twin Falls Senior Center is feeling the economic crunch.

72 year old Jacque Whiting just retired from the senior center and she says, "The cost of gasoline, the cost of the food, the cost of utilities and everything else has went on an increase and our funding has not moved at all."

While Grace who also works says, "I'm a Senior Companion and my biggest concern is keeping up with the gas taking people to the grocery store, doctor's appointments and stuff and gas prices hurt."

Thankfully, there is a national non-profit agency called 'Experience Works' that are dedicated to helping people over 55 and low income, to find training and re-enter the workforce.

Renee Ryan, and Employment Training Assistant says, "We had a great deal of success in placing individuals in employment."