Ageism Is Major Roadblock for Older Job Seekers

Recent research suggests that adults over the age of 55 comprise one of the largest pools of workers, but have the most difficulty getting job interviews and being offered full-time positions, reports WGAL-TV . According to the NBC affiliate in Harrisburg, Pa., experts say the problem has less to do with a skills deficit than ageism. Older adults now are working at ever-increasing rates because of financial constraints and increased life spans, but those adults in the market for a new position struggle to get an interview compared to younger applicants with less experience. That means that at least three million older Americans are struggling to find a well-paying job. Maureen Leader, who works at a retirement community in Pennsylvania, urges companies to incorporate more age-blind policies into their hiring procedures. "Anyone who dismisses someone who's over 55 and doesn't choose to hire them because they're over 55 is missing out on a lot of experience that would help their organization," she said.