Job loss: Bouncing back after 55 (Covid-19 Mental Health video series)

When the economy falters, older workers are often among the hardest-hit because they're more expensive to employ. And when they lose their jobs, they also find it harder to re-enter the workforce.

In this fifth episode of BT's Covid-19 Executive Mental Health video series, Singapore-based psychologist and corporate trainer Maria Micha offers tips on what to do if you're over 55 and you've lost your job in this coronavirus crisis.

There are two things to tackle - the practical and the emotional. On the practical side, you must take stock of your strengths and experience, and see how you can repackage them for an available job in the market. If you need to retrain, there are several government initiatives as well as free online courses to help you do that. And if push comes to shove, you may need to invent the job that you want to do.

On the emotional side, you must never lose hope. Anxiety and depression make it impossible for you to be creative. So you must work hard to keep negative emotions at bay.