To an Older Coworker: “So are you planning to retire soon?”
Just because a coworker has gray hair doesn’t mean they’re going into retirement tomorrow. In fact, many nursing professionals enjoy working well past the age of 60 because their work gives them a sense of purpose.
A nursing career can be truly rewarding, helping you feel like you’ve accomplished something or made a difference in a patient’s life. Plus, it’s always somewhere to go in the morning to spend most of your day doing something productive instead of just watching TV.
Another big consideration to keep in mind is the current dire economic conditions for older workers. Your older coworker may not have sufficient retirement funds saved up to allow them to retire, which would turn this into a very awkward conversation. To stay on the safe side, just steer clear of the topic.