A large Gallup poll has found that by almost any measure, people get happier as they get older... and researchers are not sure why. This New York Times article examines the study and provides an overview of how people view life from 18 through the 80s. Life is at a high at 18, with happiness dropping through the middle years, only to rebound from 50 on. For people under 50, thinking about getting older is starting to look better!

If you ever considered being a model, now may be your time! With people 50+ looking younger, vital, and representative of a growing number of customers, there is a market for healthy, dynamic mature adults who can proudly wear their wrinkles and flaunt their age for a salary. Not only is this job good for the pocketbook, it's great for morale. Click here to learn more...

The announcement of Al and Tipper's separation has disturbed many age 50+ couples: is divorce rampant among the "long-married?" What does this mean for me; for my parents?  Statistics cited in this New York Times article show that the bulk of divorces in the United States are still between couples married 10 years or less.  But, a greater number of splits in the 40-and-more-years together crowd may be the result of this cohort's good fortune -- being healthier and more active, and unwilling to stay in a bad marriage when there are decades of good years left.

If the current economic situation is playing havoc with your retirement savings and you are wondering how to fill in the missing income, this article may provide some creative money-making ideas. Among the suggestions are renting out empty bedrooms, helping people prepare taxes, and using your craft skills to create treasures to sell. You may even find that these income-producing activities provide fun and engagement, as well as profit, that was missing from your original retirement plans.

Author and filmmaker David Taylor has written both a book and a documentary, Soul of a People, about how the WPA Writer's Project during the Depression provided much needed employment and financial security to writers like John Cheever, Richard Wright and Zora Neale Hurston. Through a discussion and film screening, Taylor narrates the intertwined experiences of these literary voices. This free presentation will be at the Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:30 p.m. No tickets required. Call (215) 567-4341 for information.

JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ will host a free employment seminar, Strategies for Success: Working Past 55, on Thursday, June 24th from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at United Way, 17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. The seminar will include expert speakers and informational workshops to help individuals be marketable in today’s workplace. Seats are limited; pre-registration is required by calling (215) 560-5465, ext.268.

A task force of local organizations and individuals have come together to find out more about the needs of older people in the LGBT community. The group is planning a summit in the fall for community members and senior service agencies. To better understand community needs and help in planning the summit, the group is conducting a survey as part of a needs assessment project. To complete the survey online, click here.

Ameriprise Financial, a diversified financial services company, is committed to giving back to  communities by supporting organizations whose shared goal is to improve the lives of individuals from all walks of life. Ameriprise is currently accepting grant applications for the third cycle of its 2010 Community Relations Grantmaking Program. These grants are in three funding areas — meeting basic needs, supporting community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes. For more information, click here.

Coming of Age founding partner, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, focuses on helping to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. There is an opening for a seasoned Accounting Manager to join the Finance Department. The ideal individual is detailed-oriented and able to manage a fast-paced accounting department’s daily activities. To learn more and to apply...

The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children ("WePAC") needs volunteers to help operate public school libraries in West Philadelphia during the 2010-11 school year. This program is part of its Open Books Open Minds literacy enrichment initiative in which volunteers read to children and help them select and check out books at schools that have limited or no library services. Orientation will be held on Tuesday, June 22nd at the Martha Washington School, 766 North 44th St., Philadelphia. The time commitment is flexible. To learn more, click here.

The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, has a job opening for a part-time Marketing and Communications Coordinator. A vital member of the marketing and communications department, this staff member will coordinate direct mail, outdoor marketing, and grass roots campaigns for the Center, working with all members of the department to assist in reaching earned revenue goals. To learn more about this position, click here.

Journey’s Way Touching Lives over 55 Program is looking for volunteer Peer Leaders, 55 and older. Lead a discussion group with older adults on health and wellness, aging, and life after retirement. As a Peer Leader, you benefit by developing new skills, meeting new people, and helping others in a meaningful way. Discussion groups meet weekly in neighborhood senior community centers located throughout Philadelphia. The training will be in August and discussion groups are scheduled to begin in September. For more information, call Karen Rouse at (215) 487-1750 ext. 1214 or email.