In the era of social media, one video can change someone’s life forever. That’s precisely what happened when a security camera captured Barbara Gillespie, a 72-year-old Domino’s delivery driver, falling while delivering food to a family’s home. The family’s kindness sparked a chain reaction of compassion that ultimately led to Gillespie’s retirement. Here’s how it happened and why it’s significant.
Lacey and Kevin Keighron, the family who received their order from Gillespie, captured the fall on their doorbell camera. They quickly tended to Gillespie and created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the delivery worker. The page encouraged people to show kindness and help reduce the burden on the older generations caused by the economy.
The response was incredible. Within a few days, the page had raised $256,000 from 15,700 people. Lacey also offered to take Gillespie to the doctor if needed, but she reported only having a scrape on her arm and bruised knees.
While the heartwarming response to Gillespie’s fall is touching, it highlights a growing issue in the U.S. workforce: aging workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2030, people 75 and older will make up 96.5 percent of the nation’s workforce.
There are many reasons why more seniors are continuing to work, including:
- The high cost of living
- Insufficient retirement savings
- The need for healthcare coverage
- The desire to remain active and engaged in their communities
The challenge is that many seniors are working physically demanding jobs, which can lead to health issues and accidents like the one Gillespie experienced.
A Domino’s spokesperson confirmed that Gillespie is a beloved member of their family and was recently honored with Team Member of the Year for 2022 within the company. Domino’s also thanked Lacey and Kevin Keighron for their kindness and for bringing attention to the issue of aging workers.
Gillespie’s retirement, made possible by the generosity of strangers, is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting aging workers. Here are some ways we can help:
- Advocate for policies that protect older workers from age discrimination and provide incentives for employers to hire and retain older workers.
- Educate older workers about their rights and benefits, including Social Security and Medicare.
- Support organizations that provide job training, placement, and support for older workers.
- Be kind and compassionate to older workers, recognizing the valuable contributions they make to our society.
Barbara Gillespie’s fall and subsequent retirement are a reminder of the challenges faced by aging workers in the U.S. workforce. While it’s heartening to see the outpouring of support for Gillespie, we need to do more to support our elders. Whether it’s advocating for policies, supporting organizations, or simply showing kindness and compassion, we can all play a role in making the workplace a better and more equitable place for everyone.
