The world’s population is increasing at an exponential rate. It is estimated that 21% of the population will be 60+ by 2050. And longer life expectancy and healthier lifestyles will contribute to more seniors being available to remain in or re-enter the workforce. Reskilling older adults has many upsides but many barriers to overcome, as well. An article by the World Economic Forum has outlined critical ways to better engage older adult workers. These include:
- first, acknowledging that age has nothing to do with learning – Japan supports older workers to age 70 and may abolish retirement altogether
- redefine and expand roles in health care to accommodate the demand for health services, such as increased virtual care and digital health systems
- make it easier for older adults to return to the workplace with innovative retraining programs and helping companies realize the benefit of employing older workers
- reskilling efforts must take into account the unique needs, preferences, and motivations of older adults workers and incorporate these in their hiring practices
- incorporate new technologies to support older workers, such as virtual training, and robotics to minimize monotonous work
- ensure access to lifelong learning opportunities so older adults can easily access and participate in this training, as in internships and job sharing practices
- finally, allowing educational credits toward degree programs that recognize lifelong learning
One upside to using more older adult employees is to take advantage of an oversupply of potential workers. More importantly, this shift toward working beyond the typical retirement age brings purpose, meaning, and a feeling of productivity to the older adult.
This blog is referenced in the new Living to 100 Club’s publication, Better, Longer, and Happier: A Guide to Aging with Purpose and Positivity