It has declined every year since, to 2.6 percent last year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But now that the economy has cooled off, some advocates for the elderly worry that older workers may soon encounter difficulty finding or keeping jobs. And they question whether stereotypes about older workers have really melted away, or whether tight labor markets are the primary reason why workers over 55 have had an easier time the last few years. The unsettled economy could provide some answers, but experts are divided over the effect it will have on the older work force. The group maintains age discrimination is alive and well, despite the gains of the last several years.
Some employers still view older workers as frail, unmotivated and set in their ways, advocates say.
And during an economic downturn, employers are often reluctant to hire or keep older workers because they are perceived to be more expensive, career counselor Ben Shuster said. It's a false assumption. But other labor experts said employers have become much more receptive to the strengths of mature workers. Bill Perdue, a career counselor to older adults, said hiring executives have found older adults to be loyal and reliable. Although her company gave plenty of warning, Margaret McCaul was saddened and apprehensive when she was laid off in November - a victim of corporate restructuring.