Older nanny

[Anonymous]

We interviewed a fantastic nanny but she is in her early 70s. She seems fit but I am still a bit concerned with het ability to run after our toddler as well as about general chances of her having some health issue (esp. stroke etc.).

I'm most interested in hearing from other nannies who have interacted with older nannies on the playground, etc. Would you recommend one?

[Anonymous]

I am fifty-two & am considered one of the “older” Nannies.

It is tough to find families of children w/toddlers who are willing to hire me because they all want a younger, healthier Nanny.

So I understand how unfair it is to not be considered for a position due to the number of candles on my birthday cake.

Yet to be honest - I think a early-70’s provider is a little too old to be chasing a toddler around.
Especially if the workday exceeds four hours or she is expected to take toddler to the park for walks, etc.

On the other hand > I realize that many Grandparents are in this age demographic + help care for their Grandchildren w/zero issue.

[Anonymous]

I socialize with two older nannies, 65 and 68. The 68 year old has more energy than these 20 something nannies that sit themselves on a bench and do nothing but look at their phones. If she seems fit and you like her, give her a chance.

[Anonymous]

As long as she’s healthy and fit, there isn’t a problem. 70 is the new 50.

Grandparents of this age have cared for grandchildren for centuries. My own nanny as a child was 70 when she started working for us and retired at 80. She was the love of our lives! We called her Auntie.

[Anonymous]

Sure I would hire her if she’s in good health.

Ageism has to stop. We have to address it along with racism and sexism.

Look at the person’s qualifications, experience, health and vigor as well as attitude. There are great nannies who are 22 and great nannies who are 72.

[Anonymous]

How many hours per day/week do you need?

I knew a grandma in her 60's who would wake up every day at 5am, go to at least one spin class, etc.

She'd also regularly watch her grandkids (2-4 of them at a time) for the weekend.

However...after those weekends, she was exhausted. I don't think she could handle a 45-50 hour week chasing after her grandkids consistently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure I would hire her if she’s in good health.

Ageism has to stop. We have to address it along with racism and sexism.

Look at the person’s qualifications, experience, health and vigor as well as attitude. There are great nannies who are 22 and great nannies who are 72.

This. 100%. Well said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many hours per day/week do you need?

I knew a grandma in her 60's who would wake up every day at 5am, go to at least one spin class, etc.

She'd also regularly watch her grandkids (2-4 of them at a time) for the weekend.

However...after those weekends, she was exhausted. I don't think she could handle a 45-50 hour week chasing after her grandkids consistently.

I took care of my niece and nephew for a weekend and was utterly exhausted and sore! I was 28 at the time.

As a parent, I pace myself better and so would this grandma. It really isn’t about age - it’s overall health. And the ability and desire to prioritize sleep and rest at home (something younger people, in my experience, do not do).

So, yes, I would definitely hire a nanny in her early 70’s if she was healthy and had a calm lifestyle.

[Anonymous]

Our nanny of four years, who recently moved on to a new family (my child started full time school) is in her 60s. She was a fabulous nanny, patient and loving, and I’m sure her new family loves her just as much. I would not let age stop you from giving someone great a chance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure I would hire her if she’s in good health.

Ageism has to stop. We have to address it along with racism and sexism.

Look at the person’s qualifications, experience, health and vigor as well as attitude. There are great nannies who are 22 and great nannies who are 72.

This. 100%. Well said.

+2. I’m a 27 yr old nanny and my best “nanny Park friend” is in her late 60’s. She and I are both engaged, playing and running with the kids, playing imaginative games, serving healthful snacks (while our toddler charges are sitting) and (if I may brag) we’re the best nannies in the park.

[Anonymous]

What do her most recent references say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do her most recent references say?

She has excellent references but they did mention she's not able to lift very heavy objects/children.

I think we will give her a chance. If she were mid-60s, I wouldn't even hesitate, but someone in their early 70s unfortunately has a higher risk of stroke or cardiac event; this isn't ageism, it's just stats. Generally, I would much prefer a senior nanny to a younger one, and I agree we treat our senior population in ways that are totally counter productive for society. They hold so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

[Anonymous]

I would’ve passed to save the time from having to interview again in a couple of months for a new nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do her most recent references say?

She has excellent references but they did mention she's not able to lift very heavy objects/children.

I think we will give her a chance. If she were mid-60s, I wouldn't even hesitate, but someone in their early 70s unfortunately has a higher risk of stroke or cardiac event; this isn't ageism, it's just stats. Generally, I would much prefer a senior nanny to a younger one, and I agree we treat our senior population in ways that are totally counter productive for society. They hold so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

Based on this, you're making a mistake hiring her. But it's your choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do her most recent references say?

She has excellent references but they did mention she's not able to lift very heavy objects/children.

I think we will give her a chance. If she were mid-60s, I wouldn't even hesitate, but someone in their early 70s unfortunately has a higher risk of stroke or cardiac event; this isn't ageism, it's just stats. Generally, I would much prefer a senior nanny to a younger one, and I agree we treat our senior population in ways that are totally counter productive for society. They hold so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

Based on this, you're making a mistake hiring her. But it's your choice.

I would agree that a nanny has to be able to lift and carry 20+ pounds.