Many people aged 50+ still wish to remain employed, even in their retirement years. As quality of life improves and people on average are living longer, healthier lives – more older adults are participating in the workforce than ever before.
However, the road to employment after retirement remains scattered with obstacles. Seniors face many discrepancies when seeking work, including age discrimination and bias.
Below we look at the challenges older people face when working and looking for work, and how older adults can contend with these issues and improve their luck on the job front.
Aging workforce statistics
Improved health, longer life spans, greater work options, and economic changes have all contributed to an ageing workforce. Yet despite a third of all workers now aged 50 or over, attitudes toward older workers remain steeped in bias.
As part of the Australian Seniors Series, the Ageing in The Workforce 2021 report uncovered some harsh truths faced by senior workers today. Surveying 5,000 Australians over 50, the report uncovered that 9 in 10 believe that ageism is prevalent in the workplace and has led to all sorts of challenges including being turned down for a job because of their age, being bullied or stereotyped while at work and feeling discouraged from applying for a job for fear of being turned down due to their age.
If you are an older adult in the workforce or looking for work after retirement, it’s important to be aware of the issues you may face.
Age discrimination
One of the biggest challenges seniors face in the workforce is ageism. If you are an older worker, you may have experienced age discrimination or bias in the form of:
- Stereotyping
- Name-calling
- Coworkers making jokes about your age
- Being belittled or isolated by younger coworkers
- Being turned down for a job based on your age
- Having assumptions made about you
- Being told “you’re overqualified”
- Coming across job advertisements calling for ‘young workers’
- Being passed over for promotions
Age discrimination is illegal. The Age Discrimination Employment Act is designed to protect older workers from being discriminated against in the workforce. If you are an older worker experiencing any of the above, then you have the right to report it to your local governing authority or legal aid group.
Unable to keep up with new technology
Older workers often face the challenge of navigating technology in the workplace. When baby boomers began their careers, computers were not part of their daily life. Nowadays, the modern workforce consists of complicated technology that workers must be able to understand and work with.
Some older workers may feel anxious or apprehensive about using new technologies. Conversely, some may be willing to learn and adapt but find that their workplace doesn’t provide them with the training or help they need. They may also encounter hiring managers who view their age as a block to learning new technology.
Work that can be physically demanding
Another challenge older workers face is the physical and mentally demanding aspects of modern jobs. While there is some promise when it comes to flexible work arrangements including a ‘4 day work week’, a lot of modern jobs can be taxing on the body and mind. From long hours to repetitive tasks and manual labour, some older workers may have the drive to continue working in retirement but find they lack the energy or endurance to do so.
While there are cognitive benefits to continuing work in old age, it may take older workers longer to perform duties or retain information. These physical and mental demands are some health obstacles that can hinder a senior’s return to the workforce.
Financial implications
Many older adults who decide to return to the workforce are often faced with financial concerns. This can include wage gaps and pay inequality along with the impact working will have on their senior benefits.
Depending on where you live and the assistance you are permitted to receive, you may find that your retirement benefits will be reduced or lost altogether if you are earning over the annual threshold.
In addition, the cost of insurance also rises with age and oftentimes the money gained through employment may not be enough to cover all aspects of living.
How to improve your job prospects as an ageing worker
Those who wish to continue working after retirement will have to overcome many challenges. However, it is possible to be successful in the workforce as an ageing worker.
One of the best ways older workers can avoid the above obstacles is to recognise their strengths and improve on areas they think they lack. For example, if you are daunted by technology then look at local courses or resources that can help you keep up with changing technology. It’s also important to become familiar with your legal rights as an older worker and to look for employers that value employees of all ages and backgrounds.
The workforce presents many challenges for those looking to work after retirement. From age bias to changing technology and financial implications. However, by becoming informed about these possible challenges and understanding your rights as an ageing worker, it is possible to find and continue work into your retiring years. For senior jobseekers, make use of local resources such as employment agencies for seniors and look for inclusive employers who are supportive of mature-age workers and who will give you the support and recognition you need and deserve.
Taylor is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, love and health. Growing up in country Australia, she loves spending time outdoors and going for adventures with her family. Expert in self-care alternating between nature walks and bubble baths the City marathons in between. She is a free spirit, who never needs an excuse to dress up and prefers working late into the night writing.
Author Bio-Taylor is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, love and health. Growing up in country Australia, she loves spending time outdoors and going for adventures with her family. . She is a free spirit, who never needs an excuse to dress up and prefers working late into the night writing.