Employment
Perspective
Overt and subtle forms of age discrimination have a powerful effect on cutting short the productive years of older adults. Two-thirds of respondents to the AARP 2002 Work and Career Study said they believe age discrimination exists in the working world. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal workplace discrimination laws, age-discrimination complaints increased nearly 25 percent between 2000 and 2002
Negative work climates that devalue older employees often prompt older workers to lose self-confidence and retire before they are ready. Myths about older workers - low productivity, absenteeism, and a greater likelihood of accidents - damage their employability. Despite misconceptions held by some employers, older workers are not significantly impeded from continued work by physical, health, or cognitive obstacles.
Updated: November 2, 2007
