Tonight on CD and new forum in our Next Chapter series centered on Kentucky's aging population and rewire not retire.

We focus on older workers who were staying on the job because of finances, or wanting a second act with an encore career.

Our Laura Rogers spoke to a bowling Green man who reentered the workforce in his 60s, and we visit Audubon Area Community Services in Owensboro to learn more about a government agency that helps seniors find and keep employment.

We're doing work that is really helping people change their lives, but it's work that Harold Busey almost did not pursue.

I hadn't worked in so long.

I had so much anxiety about what I'd be able to do it.

And I learned the computer and so long since I'd done anything like that.

Harold is drawing Social Security disability insurance since 2009.

So I had that anxiety too, about when I lose my disability.

I can earn so much each month.

I don't earn over that.

This was six years ago, and he had been out of the workforce since 2005.

But he took a chance, turning his volunteer role into a part time paid position at Hotel Inc..

It's been life affirming and life changing for me ever since.

In his role as a navigator, Harold meets with people, typically in poverty or crisis and helps them with crucial needs like housing and employment.

And to see them become housed, or get a job, or start medication and just see how well they do consistently year after year.

By far the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

There are resources for people like Harold, too, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which falls under the U.S. Department of Labor.

It is for older Americans, and it's authorized under the Older Americans Act.

SAP is a community service and work based job training program for low income, unemployed seniors.

They get some pay and they are learning a new job skills, and we're going to help them, find long term placement.

Participants must be 55 or older, currently unemployed, be at 125% or below the federal poverty level, and have challenges finding and keeping a job due to their age, lack of skills, or other barriers.

Our goal is to get you those skills that you need to enter the workforce.

We're going to help them with resume writing with skills certificates and training.

Heather Iser says the benefits for older workers go beyond earning a paycheck for seniors.

It's really important that they stay active in their communities, so they're getting a social aspect.

They're getting a physical and mental aspect that increases their well-being.

It makes them feel better, lowers depression.

My confidence is back to you.

Harold, who's 66, agrees with Heather's assessment.

I've probably expanded my life expectancy because I'm active.

I walked every day.

I'm averaging 16,000 steps a day.

My outlook on life changed when I started viewing myself differently.

It's also beneficial for the employer.

Senior Community Service Employment Program works with nonprofit and community service organizations, helping those host agencies provide needed services.

A lot of these nonprofit organizations, community organizations, desperately need people to work to fill in that gap where they need additional people.

With age comes wisdom and older workers bring a lot of advantages to the workplace.

They're timely.

They're prompt.

They're respectable.

They're professional.

They do what they're asked to do.

They're eager to learn.

Harold says he enjoys working in an intergenerational office.

What I can offer is life experience and things that I have seen and been through.

So it's a great marriage of having the young and the old together.

And though he's not a participant finding his position through his local church, he calls their support and services vital to show people that are 55 or older that they still matter, that there's lots of things you can do.

You have a place at the table.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm Laura Rogers.

Thank you.

Laura.

Audubon area community services currently has 24 participants and 13 counties enrolled in the program.

Workers can stay on for 48th March before transitioning into long term employment.