As the population looks to elect a President over the age of 75, the exact opposite is happening in the workplace. In 2018 the Equal Opportunity Commission, the nations workforce watchdog, issued a report stating that although Congress had outlawed age discrimination it still remains a significant and costly problem for workers. The AARP survey found that

Ageism (a euphemism for age discrimination) is so pervasive that people dont know its illegal. Somehow, in todays culture, experience and knowledge gained over years are not seen as a commodity. Its visible in three areas:

The conclusion of many surveys and studies show that most organizations are unaware that they are discriminating against older workers. It is so ingrained in our culture that older people are tired of working and want to retire. There is no anti-age harassment policy or training in most Human Resource departments because no one thinks its happening.

Peter Cappelli, a management professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania states that, every aspect of job performance gets better as we age. I thought the picture might be more mixed, but it isnt. The juxtaposition between the superior performance of older workers and the discrimination against them in the workplace makes no sense.

The solution seems obvious, make organizations aware that in the 21st century ageism is a relic because weve been blessed with longevity. That puts the onus on the companies. Yet, most organizations think of the bottom line: younger talent work for less money.

For todays older worker, the idea is to keep your value front and center.

Be confident of who you are and what you know and use President John Kennedys famous line, Ask not what your country/company can do for you, as what you can do for your country/company.

One attorney, Mr. Real Estate, has mastered the value-add. His law firm will not let him retire because his experience is too beneficial and his name still attracts the big development clients. Another criminal prosecutor, known for convicting Presidents, is in demand for his knowledge of criminal law and is retained by the criminal defense team or law enforcement.

As for staying relevant do not cede to Mark Zuckerbergs infamous remark that young people are just smarter. It was his company, Facebook, that was made to look stupid, by older, experienced, knowledgeable hackers who created false identities and used Facebook to promulgate false narratives and infiltrate our 2016 election.

For senior boomers who want to work, tech talk and tech action are a must. Competent use of Smart Phones, Computers, text, email, initials and emojis prove that youre in the know. The good news, that is a one-week course maximum! The years of experience and hard gained knowledge priceless! Mr. Zuckerberg proves that inexperience is costly to both the bottom line and reputation

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AGEISM ALIVE AND WELL - ParentYourParents.com