The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

16 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 16, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Survey says people want to keep working The perception of retirement as an oasis of rest and relaxation is changing as the "boomer" generation prepares for life in their 60s, 70s and beyond. According to a Work and Retirement Attitude survey, recently conducted for Canada's largest executive networking organization, the Oakville-based HAPPEN, retirement is no longer seen as endless time playing golf or basking in the sun. More than half (58 per cent) of the executives surveyed either want or need to continue working into their retirement years, according to a release from HAPPEN announcing the survey results. When asked to consider the picture of their retirement that comes closest to their current thinking a large percentage (41 per cent) of respondents expressed a desire to work in order to keep active, involved and continue to earn an income for their future. The desire to continue working does not surprise Ted Linklater, a member of HAPPEN in his mid 50s, and an accomplished sales and marketing executive. "I feel I can contribute and create a "Sitting by a beach or playing golf really has no appeal, even if I was to win the lottery tomorrow." Ted Linklater, HAPPEN member 20-60%OFF Genuine savings on our complete collection of coats, jackets, 3/4's and 7/8's including mink, sheared mink, and sheared beaver, shearlings, leathers, fur-lined and reversibles, and a complete line of lively accessories. OUR ENTIRE STOCK 50%OFF Selected Fine Lamb Leathers Since 1910 446 Brant St., Burlington FURS 634-9243 528-1177 sense of purpose by working longer," he said, "Sitting by a beach or playing golf really has no appeal, even if I was to win the lottery tomorrow," he said. The survey is the first in a series of Career Management Surveys commissioned by HAPPEN. It was a collaborative effort lead by Mark Venning of Change Rangers, the leading voice in career longevity and Gerald Bramm of Gray Matters; a research company focused on aging population issues. Of the 426 survey respondents, an additional 17 per cent stated a need to continue working to supplement their retirement income. This perceived need to continue working is directly correlated to the respondent's age ­ ranging from nine per cent in the under-50 age group to 29 per cent in the over-60 age group. According to Venning, the finding suggests that either the financial planning in the 60plus age group has fallen short of calculation or that ongoing or unexpected costs related to supporting other life realities has led to the need to continue to earn an income. Not only do the results of the survey vary by age, but there are also gender differences. Men are more inclined to picture a retirement that includes work, while women are more likely than their male counterparts to envision a retirement that is active, but less focused on including work. Marion Birch, also a HAPPEN member, in her early 50s and a business process engineering professional, says she is looking forward to her retirement as "a time to enjoy activities like boating, art, skiing, writing and maybe even some motivational speaking." Bramm comments that men identify themselves closely with their work and measure themselves based on their ability to provide. "Once their work is removed, their identity and sense of accomplishment is often dimin- ished," he said, "so it's not surprising that a large percentage of men see themselves working as long as possible." The Work and Retirement Attitude Survey was conducted among both active and alumni members of HAPPEN. The survey garnered a strong response and yielded a total sample of 426 completed questionnaires. Based on this level of response, the results are accurate within plus or minus five percentage points resulting in a 95 per cent confidence level. For more information contact Jim Geraghty, president of HAPPEN at 905-338-9177, email programs@happen.ca or visit www.happen.ca. HAPPEN is a member-based, self-help networking organization dedicated to helping mid to senior level managers and executives while in career transition. Through a networking forum, HAPPEN links people and opportunities. At regularly scheduled meetings members learn career search skills and techniques to enable a quick return to regular employment. For more information visit www.happen.ca. at Sun Shades Window Fashions window fashions for the beauty of your home · BLINDS · DRAPERIES · SHUTTERS