Costa Rica Entertainment – Costa Rica’s Amusement Park, Parque de Diversiones, offers a new opportunity to senior citizens. Many employers want to hire young people, under age 45, in general, but here at the park age and experience is welcome.
The park put out advertisements and the word spread that seniors would be hired to fill positions for high season. “It’s never too late to have a job!” said a poster promoting the campaign.
The Continuous Employment Survey of the National Institute of Statistics and Census indicates that out of a total of 740,105 people over 60, only 175,066 are employed. That’s less than a quarter. 557,232 are excluded from the labor force (pensioners and retirees, or people who care for other older adults) and another 7,807 are unemployed.
Many seniors face unemployment, job instability or economic ailments. Even those retired with a pension often feel the need to leave the home and stay active in some way.
Some of the jobs available at the park include receiving groups of visitors, working as an aide at the entrance points, measuring the height of children, giving out passes, operating rides, driving the train, and maintenance and mechanical jobs.
This opportunity builds an atmosphere of camaraderie. It’s welcoming and fun. One new worker says he feels like the grandfather to the children at the park. He also notes that it’s nice to feel loved, that you still have something to give and that you are busy.
