Demographic, technological, and economic changes are profoundly reshaping the ways in which employers do business, employ workers, and prepare people for the workplace. A population whose average age is increasing, combined with rapid changes in technology and the advent of global competition, challenge the country's long-term economic health. If New York and the nation are to remain competitive, they must go beyond traditional views of the work force and workplace and envision and create a more flexible, efficient, and effective labor market that better serves the needs of businesses, individuals, and society. The older worker is a valued resource who brings to the workplace qualities of maturity, experience, and stability that will be vital to this new vision. Current systems have the capacity to strengthen the work force and promote improved employment opportunities for older persons through better awareness and educational resources, innovative employment practices and training opportunities, improved work force preparation services, and more effective advocacy. In New York, initiatives are recommended for the Job Training Partnership Council, State Office for the Aging, State Education Department, Department of Labor, and Department of Economic Development. (YLB)