Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about the lack of employment for older workers:

“Dear Heloise: There are many experienced, capable people over the age of 45 who want to continue to work, even if only part time, but no one will hire them. We’ve kept up with technology, become experts at problem-solving and have an old-fashioned work ethic that says you go to work every day, on time, and do your best. Yet an employer never stops to think that a great many of us are willing to work until we’re 70 or 75 because we’re in good health and want to stay engaged in the world around us. We’ve made our mistakes years ago and can help others avoid those pitfalls. So why won’t employers hire the older population of this country?” — Peter and Lois D., Pontiac, Mich.

Peter and Lois, that’s an excellent question. With so much to offer, why don’t employers hire more people over 50? — Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Here are some uses for junk mail envelopes:

* Keep one in the glove compartment to hold receipts for parking, credit cards, etc.

* Keep loose change in them for parking meters or toll fees.

* Keep seeds in them for next season’s planting.

* Place coupons in them so you won’t lose them before you get to the store.

— Heloise

DON’T FLUSH!

Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers to NEVER flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper and anything created by their body’s digestive system. So many items can clog the sewer system and cause a backflow into the home. It doesn’t matter if you are on the city water system or a septic tank, never put these things down your toilet: floss, grease or oil, medications, disposable/flushable wipes, tampons or pads, condoms, hair, kitty litter, paper towels

— Freddie J., Springfield, Ill.

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.