To save money and make money for the stockholders, employees are being fired and many are over 50 years of age. Later when the dust settles, older workers' vacant jobs are replaced by younger employees who will work for less money. Most people who lose their jobs after 50 do not willingly retire. Today's older worker faces ageism stereotypes. They are often stereotyped as difficult to instruct, rigid regarding change, frequently absent due to illness, and inclined to coast through their last few years on the job.
Age alone is a poor indicator of one's competence.
Health and mental dexterity depend largely upon environment and heredity which varies greatly among people of the same age. Most jobs today do not require great strength or heavy lifting. Human Resource Surveys indicate older workers have outstanding attendance records. In most cases, the demands of family life is minimal. Employment studies and National Human Resource statistics show older workers are willing to take less salary when beginning a new position just as younger workers are.