In our current economy it is not uncommon for people to continue working into their 60s and 70s.
In fact, workforce participation for people 55 and older has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. Some workers have retired and taken up new careers, while others have remained with their employer taking on new roles or shifting to contract or part-time hours. Longer life spans are a primary reason for this trend – older workers need to keep working. Leaving the workforce at age 55 with the potential of 30 years or more of retirement is neither affordable nor desired by most workers. This group is active, experienced, and feel they have a lot to contribute.
Unfortunately, employers have not caught on to this untapped labour pool of highly skilled, talented and flexible older workers. Employers need to look at their hiring policies and attitudes towards older workers and capitalize on this opportunity.
