This document begins with an overview of trends and issues in the area of older workers. The overview briefly addresses: the reversal of the trend toward early retirement, growth in the population of individuals over age 55, increased longevity, economic pressures for older persons that lead to work in order to supplement retirement income, low…

This monograph examines the phenomenon of retirement from the perspectives of the individual, the institution, and the socioeconomic system. In the first of five sections, the author looks at the evolution and institutionalization of the concept, discussing the effects of legislative and personnel policies, altered social and economic status, and…

This compilation of four papers examines past and current retirement policies for the elderly and the implications of these policies for labor supply job choice, and educational planning for the elderly. The first paper, by Jennifer Warlick, presents a review of past federal policies on retirement and a discussion of proposed policy changes.…

Retirement is a phenomenon of contemporary, industrialized nations. Retirement, which may be either voluntary or forced, generally refers to that phase in life when full-time, paid employment ceases. Depending on individual circumstances, it may be viewed as either a positive or negative event. Retirement planning and preparation are key factors…

While the Federal Government has been involved in the care of the elderly since the depression, a comprehensive and unified national retirement policy has never been established. Federal programs for the aged have avoided cutbacks, but adaptations in present retirement policy are required to meet the needs of young and old alike. Although public…

This digest discusses empowerment for older adults, examining the aging of the population and the adverse effects of societal attitudes toward aging on the self-esteem, locus of control, and emotional health of older adults. The Social Reconstruction Syndrome (SRS) is discussed as a model for interventions to offset the adverse effects of social…

This digest focuses on some special concerns of the elderly such as employment issues, retirement, problems of aging, and continuing education, and discusses ways counselors can help. (BH)

This brief suggests that Universities of the Third Age (U3As) provide learning opportunities for older adults. Worldwide, they typically take one of two forms. Based on the first U3A founded in 1973, the French model is university based and offers mostly formal courses. Arising in Cambridge in 1981, the British model emphasizes informal,…

This fact sheet provides an overview of the employment situation facing older adults. Statistics (Harris 1974 and 1979) are presented on the number of older Americans who are working, volunteering, or have an interest in working or volunteering; the attitudes of employers and employees about retirement and about working after age 65; and the…

The 21st century may become known as the era of lifelong learning and lifelong working. Retirement, the end stage of a linear working life, may be replaced with a learning, working, leisure, working, learning life cycle. Forced retirements and early retirement incentives have contributed to the decline of expertise in the workplace. Inflation,…

Although workplaces are searching for ways to increase productivity, older workers asking for increased career development opportunities are neglected by most workplaces. Age alone may not be a defining characteristic of an older worker. Perhaps becoming an older worker is more situational than chronological. Retirement for future older workers is…

A number of factors and trends contribute to an increase in older adults in the workforce including demographics, financial concerns, changing concepts of retirement, longer and healthier life spans, and demand for the knowledge and skills possessed by the current generation of older workers. Careers are now considered to be more fluid, nonlinear…