A New Day for An Aging Workforce
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-10-28 10:03:00-05:00
The issue of the aging workforce cuts close to the bone for AARP, of course. Economic security is essential to people's quality of life as they grow older. Continuing to work, even well into the so-called retirement years, has become a key piece of the puzzle.
That's why we don't call ourselves the American Association of Retired Persons anymore—we're just AARP now—almost half our members are still working. If you've seen our new ads, you know the kind of energy we're talking about. We say we have "The power to make it better," and we mean it. We're out to create positive social change in America, and we're really honing in on the workplace these days.
We've got a demographic revolution on our hands, and the workplace is on the front lines. Let's review the key facts.
In 1900, 13 percent of the U.S. population was over 50. Today, it's more than 27 percent-nearly 80 million people. By 2020, it will be 35 percent. Over half of America's 140-million workers will soon be over 40. The fact is, by 2015, 20 percent will be over 55.
Remember - the oldest Boomers are turning 57 this year. It's more than double the previous year. Almost 1.5 million more workers 55+ than in 2001. We're going from 18.4 million older workers in the year 2000, according to BLS estimates, to 31.8 million in 2015.
We've done some research at AARP and what we found was the majority of American businesses are doing nothing to prepare for this. Only a few companies have included older workers in their strategic plans. Fewer still have programs or policies in place to help them capitalize on the strengths of older workers.
Older workers, like seasoned ballplayers, have been able to hone their skills over the years, while adding the experience and judgment that only come with time. They've got the best work habits usually. They know how to make the most efficient use of resources and time. They have perspective to help carry themselves and those around them through the ups and downs of working life. They're the ones everybody tends to turn to in a crisis.
We have some straightforward business decisions to make. Opportunities, for those with the wisdom to seize them, abound. What's the cost of doing nothing? I sincerely hope we'll never find out.
Gus Cardenas
AARP Texas State President
Other Resources
- AARP Bulletin-Your Money
- AARP Bulletin-Your Life
- AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50
preview