Economy Hits Home for Mature Job Seekers – AARP Can Help

Source: AARP.org

The current economic situation has hit home for people across the country, but few segments of the population have felt the impact of this recession more than older adults, particularly those on fixed incomes.  They have watched their retirement savings dwindle, many are trying to return to the workforce, and many more are worried about keeping their jobs.

During these trying economic times, as many companies are considering lay-offs, it is often mature workers that are most at risk of being pushed out of the labor market – at the exact time when they need their jobs the most.  A recent AARP Public Policy Institute report painted a grim picture for mature workers during the month of October 2008.  Ten million people, including 1.3 million people age 55 and over, were unemployed during the month of October.  Workers over 55 experienced one the sharpest increases in unemployment of any age group from September to October 2008.  The only industries that did not see a decline in employment in October were health care, education, and government.

The reality is—once mature workers become unemployed, they face significant barriers to re-employment.  However, AARP has a variety of resources to assist mature workers in finding employment, reentering the workforce, or re-careering.  See below for more information:

• AARP National Employer Team: Helps to connect mature job seekers with employers that value the experience and talent that mature workers bring to the labor market.  National Employer Team companies have job openings available.  For more information, visit www.aarp.org/employerteam. 
• AARP Foundation Money Management Program: A program that engages volunteers who help low-income, older individuals remain independent by helping them with budgeting, bill-paying, and keeping track of their financial matters. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/foundation. 
• AARP Foundation Benefits Outreach Program:  Helps people who are struggling to pay for life’s basic necessities by connecting them to an online tool, Benefits QuickLink, which helps them have access to public benefits. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/foundation.

In addition to the links above, the AARP website has a wealth of information for job seekers on refreshing your resume, interviewing tips, job searching, and more – visit www.aarp.org/careers.

With our current economic downturn, the ability to stay employed or reenter the workforce is an increasingly critical issue for older adults.  AARP wants to make sure you have the information and resources you need to stay competitive in today’s labor market.