LOOKING ahead 15 or 20 years, as the shape of working lives continue to evolve, those aged over 50 will be much more at ease with the prospect of changing jobs, and possibly careers, later in life.

But I know some people later on in their careers may doubt how transferable their skills are, and are probably unaware of the demand there is for those skills across small and large businesses alike. It’s a demographic that has never been larger and where the possibilities have never been so varied.

And there are good opportunities out there – full time or part time, in paid employment or voluntary work – and often with the greater flexibility sought by many. Older people may also be surprised by the amount of training that is available – help with job applications and CVs, interview practice, job clubs, one-on-one coaching, and even apprenticeships. All designed to help people change direction.

We are living, on average, almost a decade longer than our grandparents. This is great news, but despite the increased longevity, people today are actually leaving the labour market earlier than in 1950.

This has implications for employers, and the economy overall, as well as people’s own personal financial security.

The opportunity for industry is to harness more talent, retain valuable experience and reduce staff turnover. The opportunity for all of us individually is that staying in work for a few more years can make a significant difference to your income, and for most people, being in good appropriate work can be good for your health, both physical and mental.

And, of course, many older workers themselves play a crucial role in childcare, as grandparents, as well as other valuable work in the community and voluntary sector.

We know that for many people, the possibility of flexible or part-time working could tip the balance to them staying in employment longer.

It’s also interesting that more people want to become entrepreneurs in later life. DWP figures show that almost a quarter of people who launched a business using the new enterprise allowance were over the age of 50.

Running your own business can be great for many older workers for whom traditional hours may not be right, who want more flexibility on when they work to suit their health or caring responsibilities.

So, if you’re over 50 (or even under 50) and curious to explore new opportunities, why not come along to the free New Directions event being held at Alton College next Tuesday, April 11, between noon and 6pm.

People from across the area will have the chance to meet a wide range of employers, training services and voluntary organisations, all under one roof, and each keen to put their skills to work.

ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart has kindly agreed to come and open the event, and we have a series of talk running throughout the afternoon.

Local charity RHL will be offering free NHS health checks to visitors, and I will be running a free Dementia Friends session for those that would like to learn more about the small ways we can help those living with the condition.

I’m excited to see this event come together, as the days are long gone of a single job or career for life ending on a definite retirement date marked with a memento watch.

More and more people are looking for new challenges and new opportunities later in life.

You may be surprised and even inspired to take a new direction.

For more details, visit newdirectionsalton.eventbrite.co.uk.

Damian Hinds

East Hampshire MP