In 1990, 12 percent of the American population was over the age of 65. In the year 2020, that number is expected to jump to 15 percent.
If people are living longer, if they are capable of working at an older age, what does that mean for them and for their workplaces?
As a woman over 40 who thinks a lot about that question, Michelle Turner is looking for the answer.
In previous episodes of her WNHH radio program, Turner has delved into topics like dating for boomers. On Tuesday’s episode she moved on to employment for them.
She isn’t the only one. Tuesday morning, Employment Lawyer Natalie Holder (pictured), author of Exclusion: Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion, joined Turner to discuss ageism in the workplace and ways to troubleshoot it when applying for positions late in life.
“Look,” Holder said to Turner. “Organizations exist to reproduce themselves. When a workplace hasn’t always had people of color, women, people with disabilities, it’s a challenge.” The same, she continued, applies to boomers who wish to stay in the workplace after the age of 60.
“The suggestion to older workers would be: continue networking. Continue going to your national trade organization meetings. That deepens the ability to make the transitions that you’re looking for.”
Turner chimed in too, relaying the stories of friends and colleagues who had found themselves left in an unexpected lurch after opting for buyouts at companies or spending time at home to raise children. To listen to the full episode, click on the audio above
I look at myself, deaf, lame, bored, and elderly. I would like to work and learn quick, have a snow-worthy car, etc. My big drawback is I'm a loud Lefty. I've actually gotten fired from 2 volunteer jobs cause I spoke up.
That leaves emergency babysitting of old or young or janitor work. I tried to get a job at Home Depot but was told I would have to apply online for a year to get their attention. I wrote a complaint to Ken Langone. My big job now is commenting on NHI.
There are no jobs for the young and healthy so I dont complain. Most jobs are learned on the job and there are a lot of nice people out there that are shut out because of ridiculous requirements or assumptions or prejudice. This must change for the country to survive.