Legislative committee clears anti-age bias bill
A bill to ban age discrimination in the workplace yesterday cleared the committee stage at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei. The aim of the bill is to help boost the working rate of middle-aged and elderly people, protect their right to rejoin the workforce and encourage equitable employment opportunities. – Taipei Times, 31 October 2019
International standards linked to improving ageing
Global standards can benefit ageing societies and the wellbeing of older citizens, an upcoming conference on ageing will hear. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is developing a standard for Ageing Societies, known as TC314, which focuses on dementia-inclusive communities, ageing workforces and carer-inclusive organisations. – Australian Ageing Agenda, 30 October 2019
UK food industry called on to address productivity challenges & shrinking labour supply
A report has been published this week by the Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC) outlining the industry’s ambition to address food chain productivity issues and the challenges it faces due to a shrinking labour supply. – Food and Drink International, 29 October 2019
Time To Break Down The Barriers That Prevent Americans From Choosing To Work Longer
Americans increasingly believe that they won’t be able to retire at age 65 and enjoy financial stability in old age. In fact, 1 out of 3 workers recently surveyed by the Employee Benefits Research Institute expect to work until at least age 70 or never retire. Yet those who either want or need to keep working must overcome significant obstacles. – Forbes, 29 October 2019
How businesses can tackle skills gaps and an ageing workforce
With the state pension age now at 65, the age demographic of the UK workforce is altering, and many older employers are remaining in work for longer. Meanwhile, employers are seeking different skills to fulfil new jobs generated by automation and technological advancement. To bridge the skills gap and adapt to an ageing workforce, then, employers must focus on the recruitment, retention and retraining of older workers. This means it is essential for employers to offer support as the landscape continues to rely on changing, and increasingly innovative, technology. – Training Journal, 29 October 2019
Gender pay gap hits older women hardest, data shows
Female workers in their 50s in the UK earn more than a quarter less than their male counterparts, according to analysis of ONS figures. The gender pay gap is at its worst when workers reach their 50s, according to new analysis of wage data, prompting calls for employers to take stronger action to tackle pay disparity. – People Management , 28 October 2019
Age discrimination backfiring on employers
Despite being illegal, it seems that many employers are still discriminating against workers based on their age. And they are doing so to their own detriment, it has been suggested. This article has an interesting discussion of what Australian jobseekers value most and how organisations can market themselves better to prospective employees. – My Business, 28 October 2019
Does the outdoor industry have an age-discrimination problem?
Jane Anderson is tired of telling people that you don’t have to be young to get rad. Anderson, 48, is an avid snowboarder and mountain biker. The problem is, no one seems to believe her—at least, not when she applies to jobs. – SNews, 28 October 2019
Can migrants, robots and retirees help to combat the demographic crisis in an ageing Japan?
In September, Japan celebrated Respect for the Aged Day, a public holiday that pays tribute to the elderly for their contribution to the country and for their wisdom. But behind this moving celebration, Japan, the world’s most aged country, faces a serious demographic problem and the government knows that finding sustainable solutions is a priority. Those over 65 now number almost 36 million, 28.4 per cent of the country’s total population. – Equal Times, 28 October 2019
What Is The Future Of Aging Populations?
This article examines a new report from the U.K.’s Government Office for Science revolving around 22 peer-reviewed evidence reviews and expert meetings. The report highlights how the proportion of the working age population aged between 50 and the state pension age will grow from an already significant 26% in 2012 to 34% by 2050, which represents a growth of some 5.5 million people. As a result, the economic fortunes of the U.K. will increasingly be dependent upon this older workforce. – Forbes, 28 October 2019
Gender pay gap at its widest for women in their 50s, study reveals
The gender pay gap in the UK is at its most extreme for women in their 50s, new research has revealed, with women’s average salaries at that age being 28% – or £12,509 – lower than men’s. – The Guardian, 28 October 2019
We can learn from indigenous Australians about valuing the elderly
Our land is home to the oldest continuous culture on the planet and a cornerstone of our First Nations’ tradition is reverence, consideration and care for older people. With 3.8 million Australians aged over 65 — and 1000 more joining them each week — there is much we can learn from that attitude. We need a national conversation about respect for these people’s knowledge, respect for their wisdom, and respect for their lifetime contribution to families, communities and our country. This is critical if we are to realise better ageing futures for the growing numbers of older Australians. – The Australian, 28 October 2019
Embracing UK population ageing
Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, George Leeson, talks about the reasons behind the UK’s population ageing. – SciTech Europa, 27 October 2019
Grannycare is no solution to childcare crisis
What happens to the magic when being a grandparent becomes an obligation instead of a pleasure? A recent ESRI study entitled The Ageing Workforce In Ireland finds that “relatives, predominantly grandmothers, provide a significant proportion of childcare in Ireland”. It found that 7 per cent of those who leave the workforce between the ages of 55 and 59 do so to care for someone else. And five times more women leave than men. – Irish Times, 26 October 2019
Kenya should prepare for looming ‘elderly bulge’
Generally, there has been a lack of appreciation of the contribution of senior citizens, what they can still do for our country as they age, and what awaits an economy with a high population of neglected older people. – Standard Media, 26 October 2019
More than 900,000 over-50s work nights, TUC says (UK)
Nearly one in three overnight workers are aged over 50, according to analysis by one of the UK’s largest unions. Over-50s account for about 924,000 of a record 3.2 million people who regularly work through the night, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) says. It wants better protection for night workers’ health and wellbeing, saying the government does not do enough. – BBC, 26 October 2019
What’s Holding Companies Back From Expanding Diversity
Among the challenges: creating a more diverse pipeline and measuring the extent of the problem. – Wall St Journal, 26 October 2019
Older people urged to share experiences of ageism in new campaign
Older people in Wales are being asked to share examples of discrimination they have faced in a new campaign to tackle ageism. – ITV, 22 October 2019
Ageism in the workplace cuts both ways
Companies must focus on creating a more inclusive workforce that makes the most of every age group. Companies also need to recognise implicit bias and naturalised misconceptions about a person’s ability based on their age. – Training Journal, 22 October 2019
Acas menopause guide encourages inclusive policies
Acas has published new guidance to help employers support the estimated two million women who have difficulties at work due to menopause symptoms. The guidance, published on World Menopause Day, offers employers examples of good practice in helping staff manage the menopause at work. Advice includes implementing a menopause policy; providing awareness training for managers to help them deal with concerns in a sensitive way; offering altered working hours and introducing low-cost environmental changes such as providing desk fans. – Personnel Today, 18 October 2019
Retirees Live a 20th Century Retirement in the 21st Century
Today’s retirees are the last generation in the United States to live a retirement shaped by the forces of the prior century, standing in stark contrast to baby boomers, Generation X, Millennials and even Generation Z, according to the 2019 Wells Fargo Retirement study, which examines the attitudes and savings of working adults and retirees. – Wells Fargo, 18 October 2019
Common Perceptions of the Ageing Workforce and Its Challenges
Malaysia’s demographic change is progressing at a much faster pace than many other Asian countries. By 2045, 14% of its population will be 65 and above. Today’s older generation are healthier, better educated, more active, and aim to stay at work much longer than before. This article provides an insight into the unique nature of the ageing workforce and proposes refining of strategies, policies and practices that promotes inclusion of the ageing workforce. – Leaderonomics (Malaysia), 18 October 2019
Discrimination in the hiring process is more prevalent than you might think
Even if we want a diverse workforce, we may be inadvertently discriminating in the hiring process, from writing the job description to onboarding. HR and recruitment experts discuss how to best escape those pitfalls. – Fast Company, 17 October 2019
Push back on double prejudice of ageism on top of sexism
Many women hit their stride at 50 just as society’s second bias kicks in. In 2014, management consultant Barbara Lawther had just set up a call centre in Myanmar for her employer. With her CV in great shape, she decided to go backpacking and write a book. Two years on, she was out of work, applying for jobs but receiving no replies. – Financial Times, 17 October 2019
J. Simers and the Minefield of Age Discrimination
The announcement of a $15.5 million jury award against the L.A. Times (reportedly $22 million including interest) in favor of T.J. Simers, a former sports columnist, reflects the growing risk companies face regarding age discrimination complaints. – HR Technologist, 17 October 2019
Is there age bias in your workplace? These simple exercises will tell you
Companies are finally recognizing that rampant ageism, like sexism and racism, will not be quashed without some structural interventions. The software analytics company SAP employs a “global lead of cross-generational intelligence” who runs awareness workshops about ageism with employees and managers. She shares a few of the exercises that she says have resonated most with SAP employees. – Quartz at Work, 17 October 2019
You’re Only as Old as You Feel
There’s a much easier way to determine the shape people are in. It’s called “subjective age.” Scientists are finding that people who feel younger than their chronological age are typically healthier and more psychologically resilient than those who feel older. They perform better on memory tasks and are at lower risk of cognitive decline. – New York Times, 17 October 2019
There is no place for youth in Civil Service
The Kenyan Civil Service is dominated by an ageing workforce at a time young graduates are struggling to find jobs, reports by State agencies show. – Standard Media, 17 October 2019
New York Bars Non-Disclosure Agreements in All Discrimination Case Settlements
In 2019, the New York State Legislature championed a host of employment laws that strengthen protections for employees. One of those laws codified new requirements for non-disclosure agreements, which are effective as of October 11, 2019. – JD Supra, 16 October 2019
Just one in three workers with limiting chronic disease in adapted workplace
Europe has an ageing workforce, and a quarter of the EU working population already reports having a chronic disease. Just one in three workers in the EU whose daily activities are severely or somewhat limited by a chronic disease report that their workplace has been adapted to accommodate their health problem. This means that most workers in Europe with a limiting health condition are not being supported in terms of workplace adaptation. – The Financial, 16 October 2019
Audit shows unpaid carers in grip of chronic anxiety
Almost forty per cent of Australia’s unpaid carers are experiencing chronic anxiety, a survey of carers has found. – Community Care Review, 16 October 2019
Heard of the Glass Ceiling? What About the Age Floor?
Psychologists at Princeton University called ageism “the most socially condoned” form of prejudice. And it’s intensifying. Older workers are the fastest-growing labor group in the U.S. These days, people are healthier, living longer and either need to or simply want to keep working. This means the retirement age is rising. But unless older workers are able to hold onto their jobs past their 40s, they could be shut out of the job market. – Thrive Global, 15 October 2019
Why Sweden is set to raise retirement age – and how it will change
Sweden’s Riksdag parliament is expected to vote to raise the age of retirement. With most parties agreeing with the measure, and with the consensus that the population is getting healthier with an increasing life expectancy, the vote is almost certain to pass. – The Local, 13 October 2019
Dealing with an ageing society – a lesson Singapore can learn from Japan
Singapore’s low birth rates, Singaporeans marrying late, and Singapore learning from Japan in coping with its ageing population are among the lead themes being discussed during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Singapore. – The Independent, 12 October 2019
Live longer, work longer (podcast)
The workforce is aging, even as jobs continue to require new tech skills. There are now more Americans over the age of 50 than under the age of 18. Each day, 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and 65 percent of them say they plan to keep working past that milestone. With an average life expectancy of 79, that could be another decade or more.
So, is retirement obsolete? How can we improve the quality of the jobs older workers are getting hired for now? And how can we prepare workers 40-plus for jobs of the future, and maybe another 30-plus years of work?
We took these questions to the experts: Paul Irving, Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging Chairman; Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Economic Policy Institute Director of Retirement; Teresa Ghilarducci, The New School for Social Research labor economist; and Art Bilger, Founder and CEO of WorkingNation. – Working Nation, 14 October 2019
Finland’s job market discriminates against older workers
The government says it wants to improve the job prospects of Finland’s unemployed over-50s. – Uutiset, 12 October 2019
The untapped potential of the ‘longevity economy’
Youth may be poised to inherit the future, but now ageing populations are defining it. The population isn’t just ageing, though: people are living longer and increasing their ‘healthspan’ for prolonged health, too. That means that as the population of elders increases, so grows a group of consumers, workers and innovators. In other words, they’re not simply a group that needs services from the ‘silver economy’, which is aimed solely at older and ageing people – rather, the ageing population can continue to be full-service participants in the economy at large. – BBC Generation Project, 11 October 2019
Care pressures will push one in five employees out of the workforce early, data shows
Nearly one in five employees over the age of 45 in the UK expect to stop work early to care for adult family members, according to new research. Experts suggest flexible working and increased line manager training to support workers with caring responsibilities. – People Management, 9 October 2019
The 5 Big Mistakes Boomers Make When Switching Careers
Many boomers want to change careers for a variety of reasons: to reduce stress; to learn something new; to follow their passion; to find a change of pace or to stay ahead financially. But it’s easy to make mistakes and overlook factors that are critical to changing careers effectively. – Forbes, 9 October 2019
Retiring To Volunteer
When some older adults stop working for pay, they begin to work for a cause. In a national survey, older adults said they volunteer to make a difference, to give back, to help their communities – in other words, to have a sense of purpose. – National Public Radio (USA), 5 October 2019
The New Realities Of Freelancing After 50
People 50 and older who freelance, according to the just-released Freelancing in America: 2019 report, fall roughly into two groups. There are those on the younger side who do it for the flexibility or because they think they might not be able to find work otherwise. And there are those on the older side who are more likely to freelance because they want to do so. – Forbes, 4 October 2019
We Need a Social Justice Movement for Older Workers
Overlooked by many of the analysts, talking heads, and politicians are other data in the monthly BLS report that should be raising questions. Among these: Why should it take older workers longer to find jobs than younger ones, and why should their odds of being out of work six months or more — often the kiss of death for a job seeker — be so much higher? — The Hill, 3 October 2019
The Secret Sauce When Choosing A Second Act Career
Most people assume meaningful work is the key. But according to Rob Cross, Edward A. Madden professor of global leadership at Babson College, research shows that people tend to overestimate the importance of the what when they should be focusing on the who. – Forbes, 2 October 2019
The New Mindset for Midlife Employees
Mintzer and Leithman, of Boston and Quebec, respectively, believe that too many people in midlife accept employers’ stereotypes that older workers are tired, afraid to learn new things and technologically challenged. These men and women in their 50s and 60s then adopt these behaviors themselves, worsening their chances to get hired or promoted. – Next Avenue, 1 October 2019
Chip Conley: Teaching and Cultivating Modern Elders
Influencer in Aging and hospitality entrepreneur Chip Conley coined the term “modern elder” when he jointed Airbnb at 52 as a strategic adviser and was twice the age of the average employee there. In the last year, he has opened the Modern Elder Academy, a boutique resort for midlife learning and reflection in Mexico, and published Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder. Conley calls the academy, which enrolled 500 students from 17 countries, “the first midlife wisdom school.” – Next Avenue, 24 September 2019
In a Pioneering Campaign, Boston’s New Age Strong Commission Takes on Ageism
“Public officials and business leaders across the country are recognizing ageism as a problem, but few organizations are taking it on in such an explicit way”. “Boston is cutting-edge on this issue.” “This issue is being talked about around the country, but Boston is taking it to the next level. They’re showing the people who break the stereotypes. It’s understanding that, as diverse as we are as a society, older people are also diverse.” With a small budget and a big vision, this is a model that can be taken nationally.” – Boston Globe, 24 September 2019
Younger Workers Report Biggest Gains in Happiness With Pay
American workers under 35 report being happier with their paychecks than people over 55 for the first time since at least 2011, according to a new report from the Conference Board, a business-research organization that polls U.S. employees about workplace satisfaction. – Wall Street Journal, 24 September 2019 (paywall)
The Surprising Ways Management Styles Vary by Age
The five researchers — of disparate ages — surveyed 10,000 managers between ages 21 and 70 working in multiple industries and in 20 countries. What they found was that older and younger managers have very different views about how to lead others. “Management style varied more with age than with any other characteristic in our survey,” the authors wrote. – Next Avenue, 24 September 2019
What does it mean to have a society with more older people than younger ones?
For the first time in history, there are more people over 60 than under 18 in the U.S. But what does that really mean? This report, in an FAQ format, has two aims: to place the aging of America in perspective and to discuss the impact of an aging society on our communities and economy. – Halvorsen Report, Encore.org
Move Over Stanford Dropouts: Older Americans Are Learning to Code and They’re Getting Good
Who says technology is only for young people? Dozens of coding boot camps — intensive, months long-training programs that teach you how to program computers — are gaining popularity with older people who want to develop a second professional skill set and continue working. – Money Magazine, 1 October 2019
It’s time to utilise older workers’ considerable talents
While the rise in life expectancy over the past century is no doubt one of humanity’s greatest achievements, states and individuals are now faced with the challenges of funding wide-scale retirement while addressing potential labour shortages.
Yet, despite the continuing expansion of the UK’s ageing population, our latest Megatrends report examines the opportunities afforded by prolonging working lives. By adopting inclusive policies and practices that make work friendly for an ageing workforce, we can extend working lives meaningfully while utilising the experience and talents of older workers. – CIPD (UK), 9 October 2019
Two in five employers concerned by ageing workforce
More than two in five UK employers are concerned about the long-term impact that an ageing workforce will have on their business, new research has uncovered. – The Actuary, 8 October 2019
88 pct Taiwan employees aged 45 or above have career panic: survey
As high as 87.9 percent of employees aged 45 and above in Taiwan suffer from career panic, while about 79.7 percent have experienced age discrimination in workplaces, according to a survey released Monday. – Xinhua, 7 October 2019
Age bias risks creation of a ‘forgotten generation’
Despite more older people having to work for longer, age discrimination is still very much a factor in UK employment, risking the creation of a “forgotten generation who can’t find work”. A new analysis from Rest Less, based on the latest data from the ONS Labour Market Overview, shows that those aged 50-64 are 33% more likely than any other age group to remain unemployed in the long term (two years or more). – Personnel Today, 7 October 2019
Older workers ‘more likely to be long-term unemployed’ says report
ONE in five unemployed people are over the age of 50, underlying the need for support for older job-seekers, according to a new report. An analysis of official figures by Rest Less, which offers job advice to the over-50s, indicated that 50 to 64-year-olds are more likely than any other age group to be out of work for at least two years. – The Irish News, 7 October 2019
Over-50s more likely to face long-term unemployment, data shows
Workers aged between 50 and 64 are more likely than any other age group to face long-term unemployment, according to an analysis of labour market data that suggests there are multiple barriers to older workers re-entering the workforce. Between May and July 2019, those searching for work aged 50-64 were 33 per cent more likely than under 50s to be unemployed for longer than two years. – People Management, 7 October 2019
Seismic Shift? Is The EEOC Getting Serious About Age Discrimination?
After years of ignoring the problem of age discrimination in employment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) appears to have turned a corner. In September, the EEOC filed four age discrimination lawsuits, settled one age discrimination lawsuit and won a jury verdict in an age discrimination case. – Forbes, 3 October 2019
The New Realities Of Work And Retirement
NPR’s series introduces us to some older Americans as they navigate the new realities of work and retirement. Let’s meet them. – National Public Radio (US), 2 October 2019
Greying workforce helps keep wage growth subdued
One of the more surprising economic trends in recent years has been the surge in the share of the population who are in jobs or looking for work, a ratio known as the participation rate. You’d expect the Treasurer to highlight this positive side of the story, but more striking is what’s driving the increase in participation. In a nutshell, the two key reasons are ongoing growth in female participation, and, more surprisingly, that Baby Boomers are staying in the workforce for longer than expected. – Sydney Morning Herald, 2 October 2019
Older Australians boosting the economy
Older Australians are spending longer in the workforce than ever before, but all too often their contribution is overlooked. Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, the Australian Human Rights Commission is calling on all Australians to recognise the incredible benefits older people offer our society, culture, the economy and so much more. – Australian Human Rights Commission, 1 October 2019
What fast-ageing countries such as China tell us about our economic future
More than 80% of global GDP is generated by countries with rapidly ageing populations. How these seniors directly and indirectly shape their economies – especially in a political sense – will henceforth be an important factor when trying to understand global and domestic political economy trends. – World Economic Forum (blog), 1 October 2019
Safety fears as number of older workers doubles
The proportion of workers aged over 55 has doubled in 20 years, according to a study that suggests they are twice as likely to have a fatal accident at work. Twenty per cent of workers were 55 or over last year compared with 10 per cent in 1998, according to research by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Economic and Social Research Institute. – The Times, 1 October 2019
Elderlies’ right to work and ageism
With the increase of life expectancy in Nepal to 70 years of age, a significant number of elderly people who still can work or are in a need for a job, are often considered worthless, except a few exceptions. According to the new Nepal Labor Law, 2017, regular employment ends at the age of 58. But an employer can hire someone who is 66 if he/she can fulfill the responsibilities. This practice, however, has not much been followed. – Khabar Hub, 1 October 2019
How Attracting and Retaining Older Employees Can Help Your Business
After 68-year-old Paul Critchlow retired from a successful 30-year career in corporate communications with Merrill Lynch, he had no intention of returning to the workforce. However, when the initial euphoria of being retired wore off, he found himself wondering, “What comes next?”
“When you retire, it’s shocking how fast people forget about you. I started to feel like I was irrelevant because I had nothing on my calendar and no one was asking about me,” said Critchlow.
Actually, there was someone who was asking about him and was eager to get on his calendar. – SHRM, 1 October 2019
