Candidate of the month (03/2022): Iris Lentjes, HR Expertin
seniors@work: Iris, you can look back on an impressive career as HR Manager and member of the Executive Board at a number of well-known companies such as Livit (Uto Albis), MSC, Bombardier and Weka Business Media. And long before you retired, you also worked independently as a leadership coach and HR consultant. Today, at 69, you are more active than ever. What is your secret?
Iris Lentjes: I love working with people, learning new things and am happy to help shape change. There is no "expiration date" for this. It's a great feeling when my clients achieve their goals with my help and I realize that I'm needed. Especially when coaching managers, it is an advantage to have extensive life experience.
seniors@work: What are the major differences between employment and self-employment?
Iris Lentjes: Being self-employed allows me to organize my time relatively freely, which is a big plus. And I feel more valued than I did as an employee. This direct, positive feedback from my customers is an important driving force. Apart from that, I am and will remain a service provider.
seniors@work: That sounds as if "serving" people is really a passion for you?
Iris Lentjes: You could say that! To date, only my first apprenticeship had little to do with people. I trained as a reinforced concrete draughtswoman and already realized in my first year of training that this wasn't for me. Because contact with people is incredibly important to me. After completing my apprenticeship, I immediately changed careers and focused on HR. After various further training courses and lots of personal development training, I then worked successfully in several service companies as HR manager. And for 20 years now I have been working independently as a sparring partner for managers and as HR manager in an SME (at mandate level) - always close to people!
seniors@work: How much do you work at the moment, and how long do you plan to remain professionally active?
Iris Lentjes: I currently work about 30 hours a week and enjoy both work and leisure. Because I don't have to work, I want to work! I will continue as long as I am healthy and able to learn - and of course as long as the customers want me!
seniors@work: You were already self-employed long before seniors@work existed. What prompted you to register with us?
Iris Lentjes: The platform is a great offer and Alexis, the founder, is very committed. I think it's very important that people have the opportunity to take on exciting professional tasks after retirement.
seniors@work: Today is International Women's Day. Based on your professional experience, do you have any advice you would give to younger women?
Iris Lentjes: For me, it's always about people first and foremost, not so much about gender roles. For me, it's all about working together - not against each other! I can recommend this to all younger women: If you want to lead, it has to come from the heart. Love people and don't bend yourself. And take yourself just as seriously as the others.
"Methusalix (French: Agecanonix) is the village elder. He is 93 years old and is a member of the village council. However, his age does not prevent him from taking part in the village fights; he even gets offended when someone wants to go easy on him because of his age. He cleverly uses his walking stick as a weapon, while the retaliatory carriages he receives are often aimed at other villagers because he is considered too old to be beaten."
Dear reader, Asterix and Obelix have accompanied many of us through our youth. But the fact that Methusalix has settled in Basel surprises us and makes us smile. In fact, there is a project called www.methusalix.ch. It's a residential project in Lysbüchel. Curious, I knocked on the door of our neighbor, Dieter Häner. He is the initiator of this project and will also be moving in. But read for yourself:
Dear Dieter, you are named on the Methusalix homepage. How did that come about?
The Methusalix project was my initiative, initially under the bland name "Living in old age". This name encompasses the basic idea, but the age was to be hinted at with a wink, which is how I came up with Methusalix. The homepage introduces the board of the methusalix housing cooperative and I appear there as treasurer.
You are a group of people who are planning and carrying out this housing project. How did you come about?
We are 9 parties with a total of 13 people who came together during the course of the project. In the first phase, we were a core group of four people, with a steady stream of interested friends and acquaintances joining us (and some saying goodbye again), until the current residents were finally formed.
How many years in advance do you plan a project like this?
I have heard from various sources that it is difficult or even impossible to plan such a project without being able to show a concrete object. It was the same with methusalix. My idea of an age-appropriate form of housing had been around for some time, but it was only when the tender for the development of the Lysbüchel site was published that we were able to start planning in earnest. In our case, that was just over three years ago. The first parties will move in at the end of April 2021.
Was it difficult to find a suitable new-build project? Or did you also look at existing old buildings?
If a residential project is not only to meet all the requirements for age-appropriate living, but also meet the demands for sustainability, energy efficiency and affordable living space, it can only be achieved with a new build. Renovating an old building in this way would go far beyond the budget. It should be emphasized that a new building on urban land with low rents can only be realized if the building land is granted building rights. In Basel, it is the Habitat Foundation that makes many of its plots available in an exemplary manner.
When the "Lysbüchel Süd" development was put out to tender in spring 2018, we applied with a preliminary project.
How is such a project financed?
In order to be able to finance such a project, you need to know exactly which housing subsidy options can be used. We were lucky enough to find an architect in our circle of friends who had already completed a similar housing project with his office. After winning the bid from the Habitat Foundation, we set about founding a housing cooperative. Because only with a suitable organizational form (it could also be an association or a company) can the building lease agreement and the applications for favourable loans be concluded or submitted.
I assume that all of you in the core group are already retired. What specialist professions were required to set up Methusalix?
No, not everyone has retired yet. What's most in demand are professions that have to do with building and furnishing, and someone who knows a bit about finance. But a good architect's office takes many problems and tasks off your hands.
Have you discussed the pros and cons of living together?
The situation is as follows: we have 5 2-room and 4 3-room apartments, all with kitchen, bathroom and balcony. This means that each party can live on their own without having to worry about the others. The idea, however, is to maintain lively contact between the residents. On the one hand, a spacious stairwell with benches and plants on each floor serves this purpose. We want to encourage people to take the stairs (as long as they can) and perhaps stop for a chat on the way. On the other hand, we have set up a club room on the first floor that can also be used by the residents. Film evenings, concerts, readings and festivities are planned. This actually only has advantages, the disadvantages are - so far - none recognizable.
Do you know Seniors@Work?
I only know Seniors@Work from PR appearances in public.
If some of the know-how is missing in your group: could the knowledge of the seniors from Seniors@Work be useful to you?
What a similar group might lack are accounting skills, organizational talents, people with a flair for house maintenance.
Dear Dieter, I wish you every success with your exciting and innovative project!
You also gave me the following tip: "In the original version of "Asterix and Obelix", Methusalix appears as Agecanonix. Methusalix (French Agecanonix, "canonical age", i.e. "ancient") is a veteran of the battles of Gergovia and Alesia and has long been the village elder."
Should you become the village elder of the community in Basel, I very much hope that everyone will bow down to you respectfully! 😉
And thank you very much for the interview.
Beatrice Isler
In February 2021, I received a statement from the Fundus Basel association on the new vision for ageing policy "Growing older well and together in Basel-Stadt". Fundus association? What kind of organization is that? My curiosity was piqued and I sought contact with this contact point. So on a cold Tuesday morning in March, I went to Hammerstrasse 160 to find out more about Fundus. I was warmly welcomed by Nicole Tschäppät, the manager.
Hammerstrasse 160 is not difficult to find, but you have to be very careful not to miss the inner courtyard with its various studios. Fundus Basel has recently moved into a studio there and now has an official address. A large room with two computers, a comfortable table with chairs and the usual office cupboards furnish the space. A bicycle trailer and a large stand with a wide range of brochures and flyers from various organizations and their services are conspicuous. It's obvious: a networker is at work here!
Nicole Tschäppät explains that she earned her professional spurs in neighborhood work thanks to her training as a sociocultural animator. In 2017, she was managing a neighbourhood project in Hirzbrunnen when experts from three organizations asked her what the situation was like for senior citizens of the fourth age in Schoren. But how do you reach senior citizens? How can senior citizens be brought out of their loneliness? What needs do they actually have?
In response to my question, Ms Tschäppät explained that she had therefore invited many organizations to a network meeting to discuss how hard-to-reach senior citizens could be reached more effectively. As a first measure, Nicole Tschäppät and the network launched the "Independent in old age" event series in 2018, which addresses various issues relating to old age and takes place in the neighborhood. However, she realized that there are older people who would like to attend an event but are physically too weak, too tired or too old to make the journey. In short, she organized a pick-up service for the second series of events in 2019. And the series of events was a success.
The association was formed in 2019 Fundus BaselNicole Tschäppät tells me, as a concrete result of her ageing work in the project, the feedback from the organizations and observations, surveys and analyses. She herself is employed by 60% as managing director. The board and helpers work on a voluntary basis. Ms. Tschäppät does two hours of grassroots work twice a week. In concrete terms, this means that she always stands with her bicycle trailer, chairs, a folding table and a flyer stand in the same neuralgic places near two shopping centers and simply says "grüezi" to passers-by and signals her willingness to talk. She gains the trust of people, some of whom ask curiously what she is doing there. This leads to conversations and Nicole Tschäppät can recognize where there are problems. For example, she provides advice on financial problems, social isolation or health issues and arranges accompaniment for those seeking help: for a visit to the hairdresser, for a trip to the office, for shopping or simply for a walk.
And what about the volunteers? I ask.
Around 15 volunteers have already taken on some kind of task. Some tasks are completed after one appointment, others become tandems that last for a long time. It is important to know the person seeking help and the volunteer well in order to be able to combine them carefully. Ms. Tschäppät talks enthusiastically about the 20-year-old woman who takes great pleasure in looking after a 93-year-old. The 20-year-old now has a "grandmother" and the 93-year-old is happy to have a "granddaughter". These two women function completely independently as a tandem. This arrangement began when the young woman went shopping for the old lady during the first lockdown.
Nicole Tschäppät also refers to a tandem consisting of an 80-year-old widower and a 91-year-old lady. He is fit and caringly accompanies her to various appointments every week.
Ms. Tschäppät emphasizes that sustainability is important, i.e. such a couple should be able to travel together for a longer period of time so that trust grows. The chemistry between the two people must be absolutely right.
The sphere of activity of Fundus Basel is currently limited to the Hirzbrunnen district, which is a mixed district in terms of nationalities. What about people with a migration background?
Ms. Tschäppät is accompanied by a Turkish interpreter for three hours a week. It is very helpful to have someone at her side who knows the culture and language of Turkish residents. Mobile geriatric work also means ringing every doorbell in a street where a Turkish name is written. This is hard work, but incredibly rewarding. Many very good conversations result from this and some senior citizens realize that they can and may seek low-threshold help.
When it comes to other languages or nationalities, in Nicole Tschäppät's experience, the senior citizens in Hirzbrunnen are mainly those with a Spanish or Italian background. Nicole Tschäppät's knowledge of Italian is sufficient for communication. And for more detailed support, she is so well connected that she can refer those seeking help directly to GGG Migration, the Red Cross of Basel or another institution, for example.
When asked about Seniors@Work, Ms Tschäppät explains that "her" senior citizens probably have no (more) energy and are not (any longer) reliable enough to take on a paid job. Her clients are already of an advanced age. However, it would of course be great if Fundus Basel could find volunteer helpers, possibly even via Seniors@Work. Unfortunately, the clientele of Fundus Basel often do not pay fees for accompanying people. But as is so often the case in volunteer work: you do without cash, but are given priceless social contacts, get to know great people and experience projects and life situations that you would never have experienced otherwise. Volunteering is never a one-way street.
At the very end, Nicole Tschäppät reflects on the fact that a child's social space gradually expands, but the window gradually closes again as they get older. In our city, there is open child and youth work (OKJA), which does exactly the same thing. Fundus Basel simply for the young. Nothing exists for the older generation. That's why she hopes - and I hope with her - that Fundus Basel can be put on a financially secure footing (it is still very uncertain!). And that the perimeter of its activities is also extended to other districts.
It's time to say goodbye. I am impressed by Ms. Tschäppät's commitment and fire. And I personally believe that such bottom-up projects are much more sustainable than top-down measures.
Many thanks to the Fundus Basel association and all the best to Nicole Tschäppät!
Beatrice Isler
Do you know the Seniors University? As an active participant in Seniors@Work, I'm sure you'll say "of course!"
I recently browsed the Senior Citizens' University website and took a look at the topics planned for the period from October 2020 to early summer 2021. And yes, I admit it honestly, I had to smile: a large proportion of the guest lectures relate to health topics. Spine / psychotherapy / microbes / egg to embryo / emergencies / memory loss / Parkinson's and a few other health-related topics are listed. Of course there are also the other lectures, those on inheritance law, on the cosmos, on the emancipation of women, on globalization, music and machines and many more. But I have it on good authority that the health lectures - if they take place in the university lecture hall - are extremely well attended. Men and women have to leave early if they want a seat.
Why are we so concerned about health? Especially in old age?
I admit it: when I was young or younger, I only spent a few minutes thinking about my health. There was too much else going on in my life. But the older I get, the more the little ailments come to the fore here and there, and with them diffuse fears. I actively think about what to do next and consider whether I will even live to see major projects planned by a city like Basel. I've been the eldest in my family since 2005. My parents and brother have all died. I think about our living situation and how we can best remain independent for a long time to come: what do we need to put in place - especially now, while we're still alive and well? Will I still be able to be there when our youngest grandchild learns a profession, celebrates a wedding, perhaps promotes me to great-grandmother?
Dealing with all of this somehow pragmatically and not allowing yourself to be dragged into a sinking mood is a challenge. And in my opinion, this is precisely why the Seniors@Work idea is worth its weight in gold. Seniors@Work has set itself the goal of utilizing the potential of senior citizens. This potential includes professional skills, but certainly also experience of life in general, which should not be underestimated. Those with years under their belt are not calcified per se, but have the perspective of decades. And new situations are reflected in this perspective and take on a new dimension.
In short, there is no better way to combat old age than to get involved. Against the ailments! Against vague fears! And for a clear view and a lot of joy.
Dear reader, I wish you all the best! Stay healthy! And maybe we'll see you at the Seniors' University?
And by the way, no one should come and tell me that senior citizens are not adaptable! The Senior Citizens' University works in Corona times via Zoom! Like so many other things. And "we old people" are at the forefront of digitalization! That's right!
Beatrice Isler
What do senior citizens do when they retire?
I've already asked myself the above a few times. Of course, there are those who throw themselves into another career full of enthusiasm. Then there are those who are absorbed in looking after their grandchildren. And those who indulge in the trips of a lifetime.
However, as a former member of the Naturalization Commission for many years, I have repeatedly "stumbled across" people of an older age who are seeking naturalization. I therefore contacted Dr. Stefan Wehrle, the Chairman of the Naturalization Commission, to find out more about the current state of affairs. The interview is on a first-name basis, as he was my "boss" on the commission for six years and we are still in relatively close contact via the Citizens' Community of the City of Basel.
Dear Stefan, there are always senior citizens who take the naturalization route. Are there many of them?
There were relatively few applications from foreign nationals last year: Out of a total of 703 applications, 15 applications came from retirees (7 women and 8 men, three of whom were over 70 years old). In contrast, the percentage of retired Swiss nationals who became Basel residents in 2020 was significantly higher at 7 out of 86 applications; of these 5 women and 2 men, two women and one man were over 70 years old.
In this context, I would like to point out that since the beginning of the year, all recipients of supplementary benefits have been paying only half the naturalization fee to both the Citizens' Community of the City of Basel and the Canton of Basel-Stadt.
Could it be that senior citizens appreciate the naturalization process? I am referring to the courses offered by the Citizens' Community?
The "Compact Course" and "Fit for Basel" naturalization courses we offer are generally very popular. After the ceremonial presentation of citizenship certificates in the Stadthaus, all new citizens are also invited to twelve exclusive offers under the title "Get to know Basel better" - this alone makes naturalization worthwhile!
As far as I know, senior citizens also sit on both chambers of the Naturalization Commission (the time commitment is considerable!). How many are there at the moment?
Of the total of 12 committee members, four are currently of retirement age.
Why do people of an advanced age still apply for naturalization?
First and foremost because of their emotional attachment to Basel.
I kept the application for naturalization of a hundred-year-old Swiss woman who wrote that her wish was to die a Basel native.
Is the naturalization interview adapted to age?
Yes. Our naturalization interviews with foreigners, which last about a quarter of an hour, are tailored to their individual circumstances, taking into account their age, origin, education, etc.
So is it more the more active people who take on this two-year journey?
In general, yes.
In Basel-Stadt, the entire naturalization procedure takes 16 to 18 months for foreigners and three/four months for Swiss citizens.
Are there any institutions in the vicinity of the Bürgergemeinde Basel in which senior citizens can actively participate?
I would like to draw your attention to the opportunity to volunteer at Bürgerspital. Around 100 women and men support the residents of our care centers and residential homes with their daily errands or help to fulfill their individual needs and wishes:
www.bsb.ch/Ueber-uns/Karriere/Freiwilliges-Engagement.html
Do you know seniors@work, www.seniorsatwork.ch ? What do you think of this platform?
This platform is also a great thing for both sides!
Dear Stefan, thank you for your detailed information and I wish you, the entire Naturalization Commission and the Citizens' Community of the City of Basel all the best. Stay healthy!
Beatrice Isler
Professor Daniela Finke and Mr. Daniel Wiener are both known to me through completely different channels. When I heard that Seniors@Work and KOSMOS are in contact and that good networking makes sense, I asked the two founding members for an interview, which we conducted by email in a completely corona-compliant manner.
Dear reader, you will be surprised to find out where "space is taking shape" on the Bruderholz and what a great project is being created here.
You two, Prof. Finke and Mr. Wiener, are both founding members of KOSMOS Basel. KOSMOS.... what is that actually?
KOSMOS is the name of a new creative and adventure space for senior citizens at the observatory in Basel. It sounds as if the name has something to do with the location. But it was decided long before we were given the opportunity to rent the building of the former Astronomical Institute of the University of Basel. Perhaps in this case in particular: nomen est omen. At Venusstrasse 7 in Binningen, a free space is being created that senior citizens can use to realize their own ideas after retirement. However, the priority is not on private studios or workrooms, but on offers from senior citizens for all generations. For example, in areas such as music or health, exercise or travel. As soon as the coronavirus pandemic subsides, events, communal gardening, sports and co-working spaces will also be added. Our building has many different rooms, including an assembly hall, seminar room and kitchenette. We curate a colorful, exciting mix of leisure activities and work. We also arrange work outside the KOSMOS premises, sometimes in collaboration with Seniors@Work. This is because many people want to continue using their skills long after they retire, including to earn money.
How did the two of you come to start such a social project together? What was the trigger?
We met almost three years ago at an innovation conference in Zurich, where we happened to be sitting next to each other in a lecture. We soon realized that, in addition to living in Basel, we shared an interest in ageing and work. When we made contact with this "scene", we got to know a whole new world.
I know from my own experience how difficult it is to find premises for such projects. Was the observatory a lucky coincidence?
Yes, the building was put out to tender and we applied with a concept that was obviously convincing.
Is there an association structure at KOSMOS? Is it possible to become a member? If so, what does it cost?
Good idea! We have never thought about founding an association, but we should seriously consider it. At the moment, the "Culture of Change Foundation", which also supports other activities, and the two of us as a simple company are the sponsors. We are feeling our way towards the right structure. At the moment, we think a social enterprise would be desirable, but perhaps supplemented by an association, as you suggest.
Who do you want to address specifically?
All senior citizens who want spaces for activities, want to be entrepreneurial or are simply looking for work to continue using their skills, whether voluntary or paid. We want to offer "moderated jobs". What does that mean? We hold discussions with potential employers and people over 65 in order to get to know their needs and opportunities and bring them together. This is not least about breaking down prejudices on the one hand and promoting self-confidence on the other.
I see on the website www.kosmosbasel.chthat there will be a digital booking platform that senior citizens can use to choose from a wide range of offers and activities. Older people without a computer are excluded from this. How do you want to reach them?
Not everything is digital, as we have already explained. And we trust in the ability of older people to learn. And we want to promote this in a targeted manner.
And speaking of which: you mention a shuttle service to ensure that the building is accessible. How is that planned?
Discussions are currently underway with the municipality of Binningen and BLT. The municipality has long had plans to connect the neighboring Bruderholz area to public transport. We didn't know that before we made contact. But there are other activities up here, such as the sunbathing area, family gardeners, a farm store or the meteorological and astronomical associations, to name just a few examples that dream of such a regular bus service. In addition, the Binningen cemetery is currently poorly connected and there are many walkers. Together, we might be able to generate the demand needed for such a shuttle. This would then be integrated into the TNW fare system.
You both know the Seniors@Work platform and its founder Alexis Weil. How did you hear about it?
Seniors@Work is known far and wide. We were encouraged to contact Alexis Weil, not least by the Basel-Stadt Department of Health, whose head is on our advisory board. The exchange was extremely positive and open. We have also already started to work together in concrete terms by hiring employees from the Seniors@Work pool for our brush renovation of the house on Margarethenhügel.
How do you envisage further collaboration?
We generally proceed step by step. We try things out and keep what works, discard what doesn't work so well. This is called "agile" project development. This is also how we are building our collaboration with Seniors@Work. It's going very well so far and we can imagine working more closely together.
Prof. Finke and Mr. Wiener, I wish you the best of luck and every success with your extraordinarily exciting project. All the best and stay healthy!
And to "my" readers, please contact KOSMOS if you have any further questions, ideas, or would like to get involved!
Beatrice Isler
I have known Werner Wassermann for many years. His tall figure, his cheerful smile, his sense of humor and his kind-hearted nature have been the order of the day in Gundeli for many years. We kept bumping into each other, at this festival, that event or simply on the street, as "Momo" is practically around the corner from us. And he is still connected to the Gundeli, especially with a voluntary position in an institution that has been quietly and unobtrusively doing good deeds on Winkelriedplatz for a very long time: the Gundeli meeting point.
Dear Werni, you managed the Momo retirement and nursing home on Bruderholzstrasse for many years. Is there an outstanding experience that you remember from your many years of service?
I got to meet a lot of special people and had many experiences that I will never forget. But one highlight was when we lifted a 92-year-old wheelchair-dependent lady onto the back of my microlight and I flew an hour-long tour over Alsace with her. The lady told me that as a 16-year-old girl she was allowed to take her first sightseeing flight at the first Basel airfield "Sternenfeld" and that she climbed the Matterhorn as a 32-year-old woman.
When did you retire?
I retired in February 2016 at the age of 67.
Are you enjoying your pension?
Yes, I'm enjoying the time. My current wife opened her medical massage practice a year before I retired. When I retired, the practice took off and my wife can keep her many appointments because I can be there for our son, who is now 9 years old, while also fulfilling my role as a househusband.
The Gundeli hasn't let go of you yet: You are involved in volunteer work. To be precise, at the Treffpunkt Gundeli and - I think newly - as president? What exactly does Treffpunkt Gundeli offer?
Our meeting place offers poor and lonely people in our society a warm room, the opportunity to eat healthy and cheap food five days a week, play games, read magazines (homeless people are also allowed to shower here), maintain contact with other people as well as direct support (social work) and mediation with doctors or authorities, help with letters and tax returns and much more.
Why are you getting involved? Why did you get yourself elected president?
Our dearest and best friend, Pia Weisskopf, was the first employed job manager at the former "meeting point for the jobless" until her early death. Although, in addition to my other honorary posts (Momo support association, Bebbi-Bängg), I had to attend to my duties as a househusband and help with the
Momo was no longer looking for a part-time job, my friendship with Pia "obliged" me to work for "her" meeting place and "her" men.
What percentage is your commitment?
At the moment, that's about 15%, or around 6.5 hours a week
Can you describe your clients? Specifically: are they all long-term unemployed? Women? Men? Young? Old?
IV and old-age pensioners, people unable to work, people in a difficult stage of life,
2/3 homeless or otherwise completely impoverished people, 1/3 lonely people. 85% men and 15% women.
You also offer work assignments. What kind of work assignments do you usually offer?
Work assignments mostly short assignments actually only together with the job store. Our people are no longer employable for "normal" work. For this reason, we also renamed our meeting point for jobless people Treffpunkt Gundeli a year ago
Do you know Seniors@Work?
I know Seniors@Work; when our cook fell ill during the first wave of the coronavirus, we even considered using this platform to find a temporary cook. The fact that the head of the department also caught the virus meant that we had to close our meeting place temporarily - so the request was no longer necessary.
Could it be that the Seniors@Work service would help a client from the meeting point?
Of the current visitors to the Treffpunkt, I don't think there are any people to be referred. Perhaps this will change in the near future (especially due to the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis) - in any case, we at Treffpunkt will keep this offer in mind.
Dear Werni, thank you very much for your great commitment and not least for this interview. You are doing good. It's time we talked about it!
Stay healthy!
https://www.treffpunktgundeli.ch/
Seniors@Work has been nominated for the Prix BÂLEence launched by Gruppe23.ch. This is another milestone in the upswing of our innovative start-up company for the benefit of senior citizens. Congratulations, because even a nomination is a big step.
I write about innovation. But what does that mean? Innovation, generally interpreted, means "in economics, the (complex) innovations associated with technical, social and economic change."
Innovation is also a process, the further development of an idea, taking into account all the adjacent pieces of the puzzle. These pieces of the puzzle are entrepreneurship, commitment and persistence. It takes a social attitude, an open ear and foresight to avoid ultimately failing because of your own narrow-mindedness. And it takes courage!
Those who can benefit from this courage are all of you, dear reader. The so-called "Silver Society" benefits from a young entrepreneur. It's a give and take. And the economy also benefits from the innovative idea of providing a platform
where givers and receivers can meet as equals. However, this is not just about courage, but also about experience and sharing knowledge. Otherwise too much is lost.
Have you already been to the newly renovated hall of the Stadtcasino? Have you been able to admire the new organ? The new organ combines centuries-old tradition with the latest digital technology. Personally, I am particularly impressed by the knowledge of how an organ is built. The latest technology in honor - for correctly tuned organ pipes in the perfect alloy
requires precision craftsmanship and knowledge far removed from industrial production.
Or let me tell you about the shoemaker. He has mended almost all of our shoes so far. He has put on new straps and had the right thread for mending work. Most recently, he even went in search of the right replacement piece for a pair of my summer shoes so that the shoe looked perfect again. Our heels held up wonderfully after the repair, he mended belts and bags and always used good material. What a loss: he has given up his business. Unfortunately, knowledge and craftsmanship are lost.
What do I mean by that?
I assume you agree with me: Alexis Weil is a young entrepreneur and he deserves thanks for his courage, tenacity and innovation with the Seniors@Work idea. He is helping to ensure that knowledge, experience and craftsmanship are preserved. The entire S@W community is certainly keeping its fingers crossed that he comes out on top at the Prix BÂLEnce.
Toitoitoi, dear Alexis!
Beatrice Isler
www.gruppe23.ch
Sharing is the order of the day!
What about your balance, dear reader? Do you do sport? Do you do balance exercises? I, for example, try to brush my teeth standing on one leg from time to time: not so easy! When my husband had to go to the physio for a long time after a bike accident, he brought various exercises home, which he now continues to do diligently. When I have time, I join in. And by the way: the combination of movement and mental exercise, such as walking on a line while doing maths backwards, is a great challenge.
But what does this have to do with Seniors@Work?
Quite simply, if we want to get older full of energy and remain active in our professional lives, it is extremely important to keep fit. The stupid thing is - I find, because I'm not really that sporty - that fitness doesn't just stay, but decreases with age. And keeping fit is kind of exhausting as you get older.
To succeed in professional life requires strength, stamina and, last but not least, a good mood. Because with a smile and a sense of humor, many difficult situations can be overcome. I can confirm from my own experience: when I reach a mental dead end, I go for a walk. This clears my head, distracts me and allows me to return to my text or work feeling fresh and refreshed, and I've also done something for my health. Or I go into the kitchen and cook something delicious and healthy. And both cooking and walking make me peaceful and give me the serenity I need to overcome dead ends.
I know that as a self-employed person, I can allow myself a break in my train of thought in the sense of a walk. If you're sitting in an office, the only thing you can do is go to the coffee machine, chat with a colleague or get some fresh air at the window.
Dear fellow seniors: I hope you have some tips and tricks for dealing with getting older. In fact, I'm really wondering how you cope with dead-end situations and how you find it as an older person in working life. Why don't you write to us and share your experiences with the Seniors@Work community? Sharing is the order of the day!
Beatrice Isler
Working from home and its pitfalls
I recently went to see my daughter, who has been working from home regularly since coronavirus. She was sitting at her desk with a laptop in front of her, a second screen, an external keyboard and a headset on her head. The desk was nice and tidy and there were only a few sheets of paper with notes on them.
I noticed her posture. Her back was not at all SUVA-compliant, her neck was stretched out, and I had the impression that she had to strain to read the tables on her small laptop screen properly. At the same time, she was comparing these entries with an Excel spreadsheet on her additional, relatively small screen. She had bought the latter herself so that she could somehow organize herself at home for work.
She told me that she has an ergonomic workstation in the office. With a cave screen, so large and clear. The desk at home... well. But she had the option of buying a standing desk through her store. No, she wouldn't get it for free.
So much for health in times of Corona.
If senior citizens are involved in the work process and have to work from home, they will probably have the same difficulties as my daughter. Health in old age is being discussed at all levels, not least by the Basel-Stadt Department of Health, which is currently developing visions for old age by means of a survey. But I miss the critical view of old age and work. When it comes to old age, people only ever talk about volunteering, helping, care and social isolation. But there are also active senior citizens, like us here at Seniors@Work, who are not yet retiring to their "old age", but are actively and independently involved in the work process.
That's why I'm calling on you, dear reader! Contact the Department of Health and take part in the online survey! Here is the link:
https://www.gd.bs.ch/dossiers-projekte/alterspolitik.html
You can fill out the form until September 20, 2020. And don't hesitate to share your opinion in the comments section.
And last but not least, I hope that all of you who work or offer to work from home have a better working situation than my daughter. Stay healthy!
Beatrice Isler
