“All Americans have a right to participate fully in our society and community life. But right now, our society starts to exclude us as we age. Americans are living longer, but our systems and structures haven’t been adjusted so that older people can stay involved. Instead, our workplace policies, our transportation systems, and other features of everyday life have the effect of isolating and marginalizing older adults. To build a more just society, more inclusive society, we need to take steps to prevent social isolation of any group, including older people.” (Frameworks Institute Reframing Aging Training). 

“Ageism is discrimination based on prejudices about age. When ageism is directed at older people, it often involves the assumption that older people are less competent than younger people. Ageism has a huge negative impact on older people. Ageism’s effects are built into the institutions and systems that shape Amiercan’s lives. One example is common workplace policies and practices that discriminate against older people. Because people hold negative and inaccurate stereotypes about older workers, this limits older people’s ability to find employment. Due to ageism, capable people who could contribute are left out of the workforce. Prejudice is often implicit – people aren’t even aware of their own prejudices. We are all exposed to negative messages about older people, so our brains are wired to form judgements about people based on age. For example, because of years of exposure to the news and common movie characters, many people subconsciously assume that older people are forgetful, grouchy, or frail. These stereotypes lead to discrimination against older people in many areas of life, from health care to the workplace” (Frameworks Institute, 2017, p. 18). 

Employers play an important role in supporting an aging workforce. Employers need to be conscientious of their unintentional biases. The more we are aware of our biases, the less likely we are to make unfair judgements.  Employers need to recognize the value that older employees offer to the workforce and to seek out the qualities of older adults when hiring, retaining, promoting and training employees. As we age, we acquire accumulated wisdom, self sufficiency, and leadership skills. By offering flexible employment options, employers can help meet the needs of older workers.  Job banks in the community help to connect older adults with appropriate employment. An aging-friendly community also offers formal job training and retraining programs to help older adults remain in the workforce or re-enter the workforce post-retirement.  Communities that strive to have inclusive workplaces are generally adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities (Frameworks Institute, 2017). Employment and workforce development characteristics of aging-friendly communities include:   

• Qualities of older employees are well-promoted in your community
• Workplaces are adapted to meet the needs of disabled individuals
• Formal job training and retraining programs to help older adults remain in the workforce
• Employers who offer flexible employment options for older adults
• Job banks to help connect older adults with appropriate employment
• Training in post-retirement options is provided for older workers
• No age-based discrimination

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