Ageism Could Hurt Job Prospects, Say Job-Insecure Older Workers

Older workers concerned about job security say that age may hurt their job prospects.  

• Nearly half of older concerned workers fear that their older age will hamper their job search.
• Women are more concerned than men (47% vs. 41%). Hispanics/Latinos are more fearful than African Americans/Blacks (41% vs. 28%).
• Older workers who are concerned they could lose their job this year believe their age would be a factor (61%).
• Although older workers feel prepared for a job search, almost half (44%) haven't had a job interview in over five years, and nearly three-quarters (74%) say they would likely need to learn new skills to get a new job. 

This survey was fielded between November 30 and December 7, 2020, using a Dynata online panel, to 1,052 adults ages 40–65 who are in the workforce. 

In addition, respondents must have had some job uncertainty for the next year, including at least one of the following: currently unemployed; need upskilling to keep their current job or get a new job; concerned that they could lose a job, be temporarily laid off, have hours reduced, or be furloughed.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Perron at rperron@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact media@aarp.org.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Many who experience age discrimination at work or in a job search suffer in silence. It’s time to fight back. Please share your story with AARP so we can fight to ensure more workers like you are treated fairly based on your qualifications, not your age. 

Your story matters. The more we call out age discrimination when we see it, the more we can demand a level playing field for all workers. 

Share your story here.

Suggested citation:

Perron, Rebecca. Ageism Could Hurt Job Prospects, Say Job-Insecure Older Workers, Washington, DC: AARP Research, January 2021. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00433.001