Age Discrimination for Job Seekers Over the Age of 50 Recognized by 79%
August 24, 2009 (New York, NY)
ThirdAge.com, the leading website for boomers and aging midlifers, today released online survey findings that reveal a high degree of concern around job market issues but guarded optimism regarding the state of the economy and the potential for economic recovery in the coming months among the respondents. The study was conducted online in late July 2009 by ThirdAge at www.thirdage.com with over 1,300 respondents 40+ years of age; 67 percent were female and 33 percent male.
Among the most compelling findings are the attitudes of these ThirdAgers regarding age-related work-place discrimination and their concerns about staying competitive in an increasingly challenging employment environment. "Almost half of our respondents (46 percent) say they believe they would need new or enhanced skills to be competitive in today's job market," observed Sharon Whitely, CEO of ThirdAge. "We are tapping into unprecedented uncertainty around economic issues, yet typical of Baby Boomers, there is an underlying degree of guarded optimism that is reflective of their solution-oriented age group."
Whiteley goes on to explain that when it comes to enhancing work skills, the majority view it as an option, with 25 percent saying that they would definitely be interested in pursuing acquisition of skills, and another 35 percent saying they might consider it. Forty percent say they would only learn new skills if they had to. Online classes were by far the most popular way in which respondents would opt to learn new skills (57 percent); followed by classes at a local community college, university, college, or extension school at 40 percent.The Age Advantage "Many employers are missing the boat in not considering that Boomers/ThirdAgers have a great deal to offer in terms of their years of experience, willingness to acquire new skills, and a historically strong work ethic," adds Whiteley. "In many instances, they also bring highly developed insights, maturity and accrued wisdom to the table. These are extremely valuable assets that only come with age."Dealing With Uncertainty An overwhelming majority of respondents - a full 79 percent - indicated that they believe it is more difficult for those over 50 to find employment in this climate. Eighteen percent they would even dye their hair to look younger when seeking a new job. Not surprisingly, more than one-third believes it would be very difficult to find a comparable job if they were to become unemployed, while another 31 percent thought it would be somewhat difficult.
Interestingly, while only 7 percent of survey respondents said they are actively looking for a job, 23 percent are very concerned that their spouse or partner would lose their job or have hours reduced. Another 21 percent were somewhat concerned.As one would expect, these concerns and this economic climate have taken a toll on boomers' stress levels. Seventy-two percent reported feeling the stress of economic uncertainty. Sixteen percent are affected a great deal, while 56 percent report that they have been affected somewhat.President Obama Gets Mainly High Marks The President received some high marks on his handling of the economic crisis so far from 71 percent of respondents (29 percent saying he was doing an excellent job given the situation he'd inherited and 42 percent saying, in general, he was doing well). On the other hand, 29 percent aren't so happy with the way he's handled the situation. Looking ahead three years, 54 percent predict the economic climate will be somewhat better, while the number of people who thought it would be much better (16 percent) equaled those who thought it would be worse. Seventy-one percent predict the economy will improve."I don't think ThirdAgers have their heads in the sand or are looking through rose-colored glasses when they say that they see the economy getting better in the next few years, " says Whiteley. "Even though they may be dealing with setbacks, disappointments and economic loss, some of these issues are not foreign to them. Many have lived through tough times before. Some, too, have grown up with depression era parents and grandparents and remember their stories vividly."
About ThirdAge Inc. ThirdAge Inc. is a leading life stage media, marketing and consumer insight company exclusively focused on serving today's dynamic population of leading edge Baby Boomers and aging mid-lifers online. For the last decade ThirdAge has built a loyal community interested in positive aging, health&wellness, relationships&romance and transitions&personal growth, while also serving premiere marketers who want to build a relationship with this audience. Located in New York and San Francisco, the site attracts close to one million unique visitors/month with a blend of current news, original content and life affirming, informative stories.
