Have you ever felt like companies aren’t responding to your job applications because they think you’re too old? You’re not alone, and unfortunately, you might be right. As the population skews older, age discrimination is rearing its ugly head.
A recent survey by the Transamerica Institute, as reported by AARP, revealed some eye-opening insights about the challenges older job seekers face. The nonprofit organization surveyed 1,873 employers to understand their business practices and how they affect older workers. When asked at what age a person might be considered “too old” to hire, the responses varied. While 56% of employers said “it depends on the person,” and 9% were unsure, a notable 35% believed there was a specific age when applicants were too old for the job. The median age given for being “too old” to hire was 58. Additionally, 35% of employers considered 62 the median age at which someone would be “too old” to work.
Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of the Transamerica Institute, highlights the missed opportunities for employers. “It really shapes the challenges that workers face looking to extend their working lives and retire at an older age,” she says. This sentiment underscores the difficulties older job seekers encounter, despite the wealth of experience they bring to the table.
Heather Tinsley-Fix from AARP’s Employer Pledge Program echoes this sentiment. She emphasizes that older workers offer valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. These qualities don’t have an expiration date, and smart employers recognize the benefits of a multigenerational workforce.
The survey results provide a troubling glimpse into the hiring practices many older adults face. According to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more people aged 75 and older are staying in or rejoining the workforce, with 11.7% expected to be working by 2030. However, this growth depends on employers’ willingness to hire older adults.
“People are aging differently now, and many are looking to work longer,” Collinson says. “Life expectancies have increased, and many are thinking in terms of a 100-year life, which includes revisiting how we spend our time in work and retirement.” She argues that it’s common sense for people to aspire to work longer, but their success depends on employers having inclusive business practices.
Despite laws banning age discrimination in employment, these regulations can be difficult to enforce without legal action, which is often a significant hurdle. Thus, policies and practices about job opportunities for older adults largely remain at the discretion of employers.
The Transamerica survey also revealed a disconnect between employers and workers regarding age-friendly workplaces. While nearly 87% of employers claimed their companies are age-friendly, only 69% of workers agreed.
The World Health Organization defines ageism as the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. Examples of ageism include the following:
- jokes about a person’s age and making fun of older adults in general
- workplace or health care policies that discriminate against older adults
- older adults being patronized, ignored, spoken down to or insulted
- assuming that an older adult isn’t up to speed on technology used in the workplace
- assuming that an older adult is incapable of making their own decisions
- older adults being offered different screenings or medical treatments than individuals in other age groups
If you suspect age discrimination in the hiring process, it’s crucial to document your experiences. Record what was said and done, gather any relevant emails or texts and note any witnesses. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state or local agency. In Canada, a complaint can be filed through the Canadian Human Rights Commission or its provincial counterparts.
Facing age discrimination is challenging, but understanding your rights and knowing the steps to take can help you navigate the job market more effectively. Your experience and skills are valuable assets that do not diminish with age. Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and advocate for the opportunities you deserve.
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