Localities need to identify and integrate isolated older persons into their programs and be sensitive to the vulnerability of women in their advanced years. In the coming years, communities may turn increasingly to volunteers to provide vital services. Thus the expanding older population will comprise an important pool of talents and skills available to schools, hospitals, and human service programs. Programs that offer support and relief to caregivers lessen the stress placed on families and individuals, both in the workplace and in the home. Older Americans are significant consumers of goods and services.
Older employees bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dependability to the workplace.
Recognizing the need to modernize resources and to compete in the global economy, businesses should explore flexible work options and provide training or re-training for older workers. Employers should provide pensions and retiree health benefits and fulfill their full fiduciary responsibility to protect these earned pensions and benefits. Full Federal enforcement of existing laws protecting pensions must be exercised. Employers must also work to prevent all forms of age-based discrimination and promote full and equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age. Such planning should consider and include individual responsibility in pension and retirement structures.