Older Americans: A Hidden Workforce

Older Americans are a growing part of the workforce. They bring skills and experience. Many want to keep working. This is not just about money. It is about staying active and connected. The U. S. has more older people than young ones. By 2034, this will be even more true. Older Americans are living longer and staying healthier. Many can work longer too. They often take jobs that are less physical. These jobs let them use their skills and knowledge. Older workers also do other important things. They volunteer, mentor, and care for others. These activities help their communities. They also keep older adults healthy and happy. Studies show that staying active reduces the risk of diseases. It also helps with mental health.But there are problems. Some laws make it hard for older adults to work. One example is the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test. This test cuts benefits if older adults earn too much. It can make working less appealing. Changing this rule could help many people. Other laws also cause issues. Some make it hard for small businesses to hire older workers. Congress is looking at ways to fix this. They want to make it easier for older adults to work. This includes flexible jobs and better benefits. Older adults have a lot to offer. They can teach younger people important skills. They can also help with the worker shortage. Businesses need experienced people. Older workers can fill this gap.