AARP Hearing Center
New data from AARP reveals strong support for choice in who hears age discrimination complaints. Nearly 1 in 5 adults 50 and older (19%) reported experiencing age discrimination in the workplace since turning 40, yet only 1% have ever made an official claim against an employer. When discrimination was experienced, most individuals turned to personal contacts: 59% spoke to family or friends, while only 6% contacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or an attorney. While age discrimination is not uncommon, formal reporting and pursuit of legal remedies are rare.
A significant majority (83%) of older Americans agree that workers should have the right to have age discrimination cases decided by courts rather than through forced arbitration. Agreement is similar regardless of political party. Despite this, only 13% have ever reviewed employment paperwork to check for arbitration clauses. There is a disconnect between workers’ preferences for legal recourse and their awareness of the arbitration requirements embedded in employment contracts.
Support for legislative change is substantial: 69% of adults 50 and older support a bill in Congress to make forced arbitration for age discrimination claims illegal. Again, support is similar regardless of political party. While age discrimination is a recognized issue, most affected individuals do not pursue formal claims, and there is broad support for policy reform. These findings suggest a need for greater transparency in employment contracts, improved education about workers’ rights, and consideration of legislative action to address forced arbitration and better protect older workers.
Methodology
Interviews were conducted October 16–20, 2025 among 1,006 U.S. adults 50 and over in the Foresight 50+ Omnibus. Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, Foresight 50+ is a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population age 50 or older. Interviews were conducted online and via phone. All data are weighted by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, region and AARP membership.
For more information, contact Rebecca Perron at rperron@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.
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