Older Americans have a much tougher time landing a new job after unemployment than their younger counterparts.
That's according to figures from the AARP, which held a forum today with local employers about how to address the needs of a maturing workforce.
AARP says the average time it took a 50-plus-year-old worker to find a job in January 2013 was 42.2 weeks, more than double the job-hunting duration of that age group before the recession began in December 2007.
Debbie Banda, Senior Advisor to AARP, says employers will improve their bottom line by hiring older workers. “If you look at the demographics right now, we have a smaller pool or younger workers and a growing pool of older workers. Part of the reason is that people are living longer and healthier lives and they want to stay in the workforce longer and they want to stay engaged. Engaged workers are good for your business.”
Banda says smart companies retain older workers and their sizeable knowledge base and allow them to mentor younger employees.
She says the YMCA of Greater Rochester is one local organization that "gets it". It was recognized today for its track record in hiring and keeping older employees.