Looks at the pros and cons of employer education vs. legislation regarding the rights of older workers. Compares situations in England and the United States. (JOW)

Despite the frequently referenced graying of the U.S. workforce, we know relatively little about the work-related concerns and experiences of older workers--those aged 55+. This qualitative study addresses that gap by examining the current employment situations of a purposive sample of 37 older workers. Thematic content analysis revealed a vast…

In "Kimel v. Florida Board of Regents," the U.S. Supreme Court did not entirely strike down application of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967) to state and local government agencies. The Court would probably permit some types of lawsuits in federal and state courts to enforce the ADEA against school districts. (MLH)

Attitudes and decisions regarding older workers should become an increasingly important issue for industrial/organizational psychologists in the 1980's. A variety of problems encountered by older workers has prompted concern about age discrimination in industry. Situational factors also affect the extent to which stereotypes about groups influence…

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against persons aged 40 to 65; the ADEA Amendments of 1978 restrict mandatory retirement. Age 65 has been widely regarded as a customary age for retirement, given widespread eligibility for retirement benefits at that age. Substantial numbers of older workers leave…

Notes that inclusion of older workers into the labor force is becoming a social and economic need. Asks counselors to encourage career planning for the total life span including years typically used for retirement. Addresses attitudinal obstacles to extending work lives, options for continuing work life, and effective procedures for promoting…

This study concludes that older workers do not have especially high unemployment rates, but when they become unemployed, they are less likely to find a job and more likely to leave the labor force in discouragement. (Author/SSH)

Many older workers want to continue working on a part-time basis after "retirement." The authors highlight the findings of a survey of 1,200 workers age 50 and over employed at a large high-technology company. (Author)

Employment practices and attitudes toward the middle aged worker in Western Europe and the United States reflect age discrimination. Regulatory legislation is clearly needed. (MW)

This monograph contains papers from the Switzer Seminar on issues regarding the problems of aging, disabilities, and rehabilitation. It is intended for use by rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, gerontologists, researchers, administrators, consumers, legislators, and others interested in providing better services to Americans growing older.…

A review of literature 1992-1996 examined aging, job performance, and occupational well-being; successful workplace aging; aging, health, and safety; careers; retirement; older women; and age discrimination. Four conclusions were: (1) research has begun to involve more disciplines; (2) older workers should be considered as individuals; (3)…

A special report of the National Commission for Manpower Policy, this working paper analyzes the demographic trends, labor-market experience, and special problems of older workers. Its chief purpose is to bring into focus the major policy choices involved in increasing the labor-market opportunities of older persons who are able and willing to…

Because further litigation probably will perpetuate the battle of the experts in age projections, the problem of determining medically the functional age of individuals should be addressed administratively by the agencies concerned with public safety and with the problems of the older worker. Available from Wayne State University Law School, 468…

Explores the situation for a specific group of older adults, in their mid-to-late thirties and early forties, who have decided to train to teach. Gives an account of their perspectives, illuminating the issue of finding a job in teaching. Addresses ageism. (CMK)

Canadians aged 55 or older are a growing proportion of the population. Involuntary unemployment among older workers is gaining attention as an urgent social problem. The special training needs of older workers and retired individuals have received increasing recognition in Canada. However, concern expressed in the media and in government…