Alan Caron’s plan for building a new economy for Maine (Jan. 3) has many merits. However, Caron, as well as many others committed to Maine’s growth, are missing the boat when they do not recognize the significant resource in our experienced boomer demographic.

Mainers between 50 and 70 years of age are among the best educated in U.S. history, and comprise 30 percent of our state. Since retiring at 65 and exclusively taking up leisure-time pursuits is not the plan for most boomers, they are seeking both paid and unpaid opportunities to make meaningful contributions after they retire from longstanding careers.

This dedicated and socially aware group is poised to ease Maine’s knowledge drain and afford employers more time to fill the projected talent gap with younger workers.

However, employers need to recognize that boomers do not want to retire and go back to work in the same way as they once did. They want to contribute and continue to learn while having time for aspects of their lives they may have deferred in their years while building a career.

Employers would be wise to consider the following strategies to retain and attract boomers: offer flexible work options, invest in training and new roles, support retirement planning and phased retirement, and encourage key knowledge transfer across generations through mentoring.

As the owner of a career counseling and outplacement firm, I am heartened by the increasing number of clients age 55 and older who are committed to Maine and looking for the right opportunity to give back.

We have much to promote in our state to current and prospective residents, not the least of which could be: Maine, a great place for a purposeful retirement.