Howard Risher
New Member
Today is my birthday. I'm 80.
I also recently published a book, Older Workers Ready to Retire. (olderworkersready.com)
I'm still working as a consultant on workforce issues -- and can attest to the research that supports remaining active, working full or part time or voluntering.
Older people benefit from having a purpose, maintaining social relationships at work, and knowing they are respected and valued. Studies show they live longer and have more satisfying lives. Studies also show older workers perform better and have a better work ethic. I recommend the movie, The Intern -- it would not have been made 20 years ago.
Its also true that COVID and the pandemic forced many older workers to 'retire'. It was unexpected and many were unprepared, with savings far too low to maintain the same standard of living. There are roughly 35 million between ages 55 and 62; the country knows very little about their financial status.
But of course we all feel the effects of ageist thinking and discrimination. The ADEA was wriiten and is now interpreted to allow employers to ignore applications from older workers. That needs to addressed by Congress. Ageism is a common global probem.
Fortunately all developed countries and industries are confronted with worker shortages. Its demographics -- the millions of Boomers reaching retirement age and families having fewer children, which means fewer young workers starting careers.
All of this gives the 'elderly' a reason to demand changes to recognize their value. It starts with employers and small group discussions of the how older workers are treated. It also means pressing elected leaders to address legal barriers to better lives.
Howard Risher
I also recently published a book, Older Workers Ready to Retire. (olderworkersready.com)
I'm still working as a consultant on workforce issues -- and can attest to the research that supports remaining active, working full or part time or voluntering.
Older people benefit from having a purpose, maintaining social relationships at work, and knowing they are respected and valued. Studies show they live longer and have more satisfying lives. Studies also show older workers perform better and have a better work ethic. I recommend the movie, The Intern -- it would not have been made 20 years ago.
Its also true that COVID and the pandemic forced many older workers to 'retire'. It was unexpected and many were unprepared, with savings far too low to maintain the same standard of living. There are roughly 35 million between ages 55 and 62; the country knows very little about their financial status.
But of course we all feel the effects of ageist thinking and discrimination. The ADEA was wriiten and is now interpreted to allow employers to ignore applications from older workers. That needs to addressed by Congress. Ageism is a common global probem.
Fortunately all developed countries and industries are confronted with worker shortages. Its demographics -- the millions of Boomers reaching retirement age and families having fewer children, which means fewer young workers starting careers.
All of this gives the 'elderly' a reason to demand changes to recognize their value. It starts with employers and small group discussions of the how older workers are treated. It also means pressing elected leaders to address legal barriers to better lives.
Howard Risher
I hope you'll join in on the discussions here and start your own, too.
