Published: November 04, 2008 05:31 pm         

Fairfield Glade's Robert L. Vickers attracts national attention as Tennessee's Outstanding Older Worker

Experience Works, the nation's largest provider of training and employment services for older workers, recently recognized Robert Vickers, age 84, at a ceremony in Washington, DC, as the 2008 Outstanding Older Worker for Tennessee. The Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program is held annually to honor one outstanding older worker from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

As a personal trainer with the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex at Fairfield Glade, Vickers encourages and motivates people to go beyond their own expectations to reach their goals. He develops ongoing exercise programs to enable his clients to become stronger and healthier. His programs teach clients to train with weights as well as perform cardiovascular and balance exercises.

In his job, he must constantly update and learn new skills, including annually attending workshops to renew his personal trainer certification.

His supervisor said that Vickers "is always willing to help people who are going through tough times and stays with them through the end." For example, when his late wife was undergoing treatment for cancer, he started a monthly support group to help cancer patients. He continues to serve as the group leader for the support group.

Cynthia Metzler, CEO of Experience Works, said, "Robert Vickers is a wonderful example of how seniors who stay active, both mentally and physically, can continue to make valuable contributions to the workplace and to their communities."

The Experience Works Prime Time Awards Program serves to remove barriers to employment and dispel negative stereotypes about older workers. Now in its eleventh year, the Prime Time Awards is the only national program that, each year, honors the contributions of working seniors. The program is funded entirely by donations and sponsorships. This year's "Champion" sponsor is Home Instead Senior Care, the largest provider of comprehensive companionship and home care services for seniors.

Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. For more information on Experience Works, visit www.experienceworks.org. Nominations for outstanding older workers can be made at the Experience Works Web site in January, when Experience Works begins the search for the 2009 Tennessee honoree. Nominees must be 65 years of age or older, a resident of Tennessee, currently employed, and working at least 20 hours a week for pay.