Las Vegas NowAARP Convention Nears Record Attendance

AARP Convention Nears Record Attendance

For many, retirement is being pushed further back everywhere during this recession. Helping those people was just one of the focus points at this year's AARP VEGAS@50 convention.

This economy has forced many to rethink retirement and instead think about how to stay in the workforce.

According to the labor department, the unemployment rate for people 55 and older was 6.7 percent in July. That unemployment rate has more than doubled since the recession began at the end of 2007.

The AARP target population age is 50 plus. At this years convention, managing one's money and learning about the different healthcare options are a big focus. Plenty of members also took advantage of the resources offered at the career center.

Those who once relied on a retirement fund as a safety net are now preparing themselves for a new job, but many need some help first.  Marva Goldsmith, the author of "Branding yourself after age 50", is that person.

"What's happening for those who are 50 plus -- at this point -- is that they have all the experience in the world and need to think about marketing themselves based on experience," said Goldsmith.

She stresses to use your experience and show it off via social networking sites. It will get the employers' attention. Other essentials she spoke about Saturday included updating your wardrobe, and keeping good hygiene so as not to distract the employer from the more important qualities.

All good information noted by job seekers who say age should be the last thing to hold them back when competing for a job. 

So many people turned out for the annual convention that officials believed they were near a record for attendance.

For more information on the AARP just click here.