Is 65 too old to work as nanny

[Loveshark25]

Hi ..I've worked as a nanny for most of my career...but can't seem to find a new position..do you think my age is now barrier?

Not as long as you are physically fit and able to keep up with the demands of small children. If that were the case your experience would speak volumes

Yes too old
I wouldn’t hire you

Likewise I wouldn’t hire an 18 year old

I personally would think of it as an advantage. I’d love a nanny of that age for my daughter.

Yes. It's too old.

If I had ever been in the position of needing a nanny, I would have much preferred someone of your age than a younger person, but I suspect you are encountering some age discrimination.

I know a great nanny who is your age- it wouldn’t bother me at all as long as you’re fit and active.

Have you tried contacting your ex employers and asking them to put feelers out for you?

Can you sprint after a bolting toddler? Can you run around the park playing and ensuring that a toddler gets plenty of exercise? (I believe there’s evidence that children who are mainly looked after by grandparents get less exercise.)

If you’re physically fit enough then I don’t see a problem.

I wouldn’t hold it against you but I also wouldn’t ask your age at interview, do you bring it up?

Actually thinking about it I would have preferred a more mature person, I hired a few part time Nannies, the 25-35 bracket all said that they could cook “anything” but were just about able to scramble eggs and reheat things. I ended up batch cooking!

Have you considered marketing yourself as Nanny and House Keeper? Would appeal to high earning families with older DC and you can significantly increase earnings? Also potentially work in beautiful (posh) surroundings and also maybe travel? (Again no need to mention age at interview).

It may be that the parents interviewing you see it as a barrier. To note, you would reach state retirement age before a baby you started with now was at school age.

Well, OP, this thread has highlighted that there's a lot of twats in the world, but enough people who are decent.
Keep trying and good luck

To be honest I would be slightly concerned about hiring a nanny much older than me in case they didn’t have enough energy and in case they thought they knew better than me and were tempted to override my parenting. Only saying this so you can think about how to perhaps address these concerns in any interviews by talking about all the physical things you do with kids and how you can adapt to different families etc

I know a nanny who is in her 60s and she’s great. Very active still and the kids all love her and the family include her like she is a grandparent.

Hi OP I think this age prejudice is going to kick in with the little ones eg very active toddlers.

We hired a nanny in this age bracket and she made a point of saying that she was very fit and active and a baby would be no issue to her. I liked the idea of a more experienced nanny. She resigned a month later saying it was too much for her, which wasn’t the best experience!

I am in my early 40s with 20 years nanning experience and i am struggling too. I feel like a lot of families go for younger nannies tbh especially in sw london

Thanks you all so much fir all your responses taking all on board..obv some very head screwed on people on there....apart from 2nd comment ..def too old !!!...your obviously one of the people someone later referred to as a twat !!!..very well put in my opinion 👏👍👌

Our children's nanny is this kind of age. I have to say, some of the things people flag as potential concerns match the issues we have had. She is very patient and can spend hours walking with them at a snail's pace, doing crafts etc, and is much more on my wavelength with teaching them things formally (I am a fairly strict parent), but she is definitely less of a "chase them around and get down on the floor" sort of person. In our case it's fine overall but I can see how it might be an issue in other circumstances.

I think it absolutely depends on your fitness levels and the children involved.

My MIL is 67 and is fitter than me, could keep up with kids out running or cycling and wouldn't have any trouble at all.

Her sister, at 62, has had to give the idea of minding her grandchild as she can't keep up with him if he runs, and cannot lift him to put him in the buggy or cot.

Are you getting interviews?

I think less people can afford it…. Wouldn’t have bothered me. Are you physically fit?

Our nanny was in her early 60s when she started looking after our children, twins aged 6 months and their 3 year old brother. Her age was never an issue and she took them m to the park most days. She was fabulous and had endless patience and worked for us for 7 or 8 years - and would have stayed longer if she hadn't sadly died of cancer. My children still talk of her fondly.

Great response op!

I would have thought loads of people would prefer a mature nanny. Lots of people live far apart from their families these days or don't have parents of their own around. I've seen lots of posts on here from parents wishing their children had grandparent figures in their lives. There's a lot to be said for children spending time with older generations, I learned a lot from my granny and great granny growing up (ok my great granny taught me how to cheat at poker 🤣).
The most popular childminder in my area is a woman in her 60's. She's in much better shape than a lot of the younger ones I see puffing and panting their way up the road.
Anyway good luck OP, I'm sure the right opportunity will come along soon for you. Meanwhile, could you offer babysitting services locally?

Your too narrow minded!!

I personally wouldn't employ someone of that age to be a nanny, because I'd be concerned they wouldn't be able to catch kids when they run! But I would employ someone that age for a different role. I work with alot of people in their 50s & 60s. They're great at their role, very laid back and supportive of the team. Do you have any other skills?