Employment
Issues
Many middle and low-income older adults have to work out of financial necessity. Supportive policies, job training, and employment services can help ensure that older adults have the opportunity to participate in the workforce. Congress has declared that older people are entitled to equal opportunity for employment with no discriminatory personnel practices because of age. Congress has also declared that older people are entitled to equal access to education and training. Furthermore, the Texas Department on Aging's Vision Statement for an Aging Texas asserts that older persons should have the opportunity to secure employment and education.
The aging of the population will substantially affect certain occupations and industries. Those most affected are educational services, health services, public administration, and some manufacturing. Older adults can, however, help offset the projected decline in labor force growth. The AARP 2002 Work and Career Study, based on a national survey of workers ages 45 to 74, found that 69 percent of respondents plan to work in some capacity during their retirement years. Public policies and private practices, however, often overlook the potential contributions of older workers and encourage them to retire prematurely. Job training, employment services, and educational instruction are needed to assist some older adults who choose to change jobs or re-enter the workforce.
Updated: November 2, 2007
