💼 Age Discrimination Hampers Job Searches for Older Workers (AARP Article/Advocacy)

[Winter2025VA]

FROM THE ARTICLE.

Older Adults Are Looking for Jobs, but Age Discrimination Hampers the Search

In a Senate hearing, AARP pushes Congress to protect workers from bias

By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published September 04, 2025.

Age discrimination in the workplace can be as blatant as an interviewer probing for an applicant’s age or as subtle as coded terms like “digital native” in job advertisements.

Older job seekers are often told they are overqualified or have too much experience, and they worry their age will count against them, Nancy LeaMond, AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer, told U.S. Senate lawmakers Sept. 3.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/age-discrimination-senate-hearing/

[Winter2025VA]

[Tuesday 11/11/25]

Any thoughts on this topic?

Stop by to share & READ what others have posted.

Take care,

Nicole. ‌💼‌  (Jobs Forum)

[GailL1]

LOL  She was testifying in front of a group that is largely “over the hill” themselves and the voting public is taking note of this and some could be even voted out of office based on their age.  Would we all be guilty of age discrimination if we decided to vote against them because they are so old, we feel like they are now ineffective in their representation of their constituents? 

Yes, I agree with the 2009 Supreme Court decision that a person should have to prove that they were let go or not hired based purely on age discrimination.  

I am for giving aptitude test - both physical, mental and tech-wise based on the qualification that are needed for a said job - that should rule out any adverse decisions. 50 is not old anymore, neither is 60 or even older IF those who older are applying for a job has excelled in those areas - physical, mental and tech-wise - and the job calls for the need of one or all of these things.

So who here would want to fly in a plane whose pilot is over the age of mid-sixties or older?  I believe FAA guidelines even call for this.  They may be able to still do the job just fine but there is added liability.  Wouldn’t this also go for someone that say is a commercial bus driver?  

Yep, the only way I see around this is to conduct test - physical, mental, knowledge based or tech-wise - depending on what the job entails to see if they can stand up to the criteria for the job against others of any age or sex.

On the other hand, if one is applying for an entry level position and even though they may have lots of relative experience - it is entry level and that is where the pay scale is assigned.  Got great credentials - apply for an opening where those skills can be utilized and then receive the applicable pay scale.

I do not know of a company that would discriminate against someone purely because of age IF they can so called “cut the muster” for the job - physically, mentally, knowledge based and/or tech-wise and they accept the pay scale or negotiate for their worth.

[Winter2025VA]

Gail @GailL1 , I briefly worked in Human Resources in my twenties & the company DIDNOT want people who would be "retiring" soon. It was an Engineering Company in Florida & luved to "recruit" COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY STUDENTS for "internships" & possible hire after GRADUATION. Cheap labor & less REHIRING. But grads usually leave Florida because of low pay compared to OTHER states.

The way I see it. IF a company DOES NOT want me for whatever reason. 🙄, their loss & time to find one that does.

My mom, now deceased, in her 50's in Florida got "nudged" to take Early Retirement. She fought it & retired with her FULL PENSION. But the "stress" killed her = heart. From all that, I am NEVER fighting for any job at age 67. I luv life!!! And my health.

Nicole!

[Winter2025VA]

At age 67, I have NEVER experienced Age Discrimination & still work whenever I have the time and the OTHER old lady [2006 Hyundai Elantra] is working. She is a good car, just getting old like me  🙄  and spending MORE time with my mechanic replacing her ORIGINAL PARTS.  😭

Anyway, I have always wondered how folks can AFFORD to "fight" Age Discrimination?

Personally, in my years of being "old" (age 50+), there were jobs I could NO longer do. Hey, stairs and other "physical" stuff does challenge those knees & back. So I would NEVER "apply" for those as I AGED. Also, I tried to CONTINUE to "learn" (still do & plan on doing so to the day I die). IF we expect to COMPETE with the "youngsters" we got to keep our OLD BRAINS alert & smart.  👍

Good Luck to any Age 50+ folks job hunting!!!

Take care,

Nicole  💼  (Jobs Forum)