For more information about the author, click to view their website: Larimer County Work Force Center
Retirement doesn’t look the same for everyone. In Fort Collins—where active lifestyles, lifelong learning, and meaningful community engagement are part of the culture—many older adults are choosing to remain in the workforce or re-enter it in new ways. Some are looking for supplemental income, others want to stay socially engaged, and many simply enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with meaningful work.
The Larimer County Workforce Center plays a critical role in supporting these goals. By offering employment resources tailored to job seekers of all ages, including older adults, the Workforce Center helps Fort Collins residents explore new opportunities, build confidence, and stay economically and socially connected.
For older adults, work can be about far more than a paycheck. Employment opportunities often provide:
Structure and routine
Social connection
Mental stimulation
A sense of purpose
Financial stability or supplemental income
In a community like Fort Collins—home to Colorado State University, thriving small businesses, and an entrepreneurial spirit—older workers bring invaluable experience, reliability, and perspective to the local workforce.
The Larimer County Workforce Center is committed to serving job seekers at every stage of life. Whether someone is navigating a career change at 55, returning to work after caregiving, or seeking part-time employment in retirement, the Center offers tools and guidance to meet them where they are.
Services are offered in a respectful, inclusive environment that recognizes the unique strengths and challenges older adults may face in today’s job market.
The Workforce Center offers a wide range of no-cost services that can be especially valuable to seniors and mature job seekers, including:
One-on-one support to:
Identify strengths and transferable skills
Explore flexible or part-time work options
Navigate career transitions later in life
Professional guidance with:
Updating resumes for today’s job market
Addressing employment gaps
Preparing for interviews with confidence
Access to:
Local job openings
Employer connections
Online job tools and resources
Workshops focused on:
Technology skills
Job search strategies
Workplace trends
Continuing education and upskilling
These services help ensure older adults remain competitive and confident in an evolving workforce.
Some older adults face unique barriers to employment, including age bias, outdated skills, or limited confidence after time away from the workforce. The Larimer County Workforce Center addresses these challenges with sensitivity and expertise.
According to Ryan VanBeber, who works closely with job seekers and community partners:
“Older adults bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to the workforce. Our goal is to help them recognize their value, build confidence, and connect with opportunities that fit their needs and lifestyle.”
This strengths-based approach empowers individuals to focus on what they bring to the table—not perceived limitations.
Many older adults in Fort Collins are not looking for traditional full-time employment. Instead, they may seek:
Part-time roles
Seasonal work
Remote or hybrid positions
Consulting or project-based work
The Workforce Center helps individuals explore these flexible arrangements, ensuring employment aligns with personal health, caregiving responsibilities, and lifestyle preferences.
Older adults who have spent time caregiving for a spouse, parent, or grandchild often face challenges re-entering the workforce. The Workforce Center provides guidance that acknowledges these life experiences and helps individuals translate them into valuable skills.
Career counselors assist with:
Reframing caregiving experience on resumes
Identifying new career paths
Regaining confidence and momentum
An age-inclusive workforce benefits everyone. Employers gain dependable employees with strong work ethic and life experience. Individuals gain income, connection, and fulfillment. Communities grow stronger when all generations are included.
By supporting older adults, the Larimer County Workforce Center contributes to a more resilient, diverse local economy—one where experience is valued and opportunity remains accessible.
The Workforce Center encourages early engagement—not just during unemployment. It’s a valuable resource if you:
Are considering part-time or post-retirement work
Need help updating a resume
Feel unsure how to re-enter the job market
Want to build or refresh skills
Are navigating a career transition later in life
Are services free?
Yes. Most Workforce Center services are provided at no cost.
Do you help with part-time or flexible jobs?
Yes. Counselors help job seekers explore opportunities that meet their lifestyle needs.
Is this only for unemployed individuals?
No. The Workforce Center supports career transitions, upskilling, and job exploration.
Can older adults attend workshops?
Absolutely. Workshops are open to adults of all ages.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
While appointments are recommended for one-on-one services, many resources are available without one.
Work can continue to be meaningful, fulfilling, and empowering well into later life. With professional guidance, respectful support, and community-based resources, older adults in Fort Collins can confidently pursue new opportunities.
👉 To explore employment resources and career support, visit the Larimer County Workforce Center listing on Seniors Blue Book.
When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area. TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling. Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management
After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward. Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning
When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision. Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care