WHY I LIKE WORKING WITH OLDER PEOPLE

Why I like Working with Older People

BLOGGER: LAURA TRAYOR

My boss is a 74-year old woman who is by far, the best manager I’ve had in my 20+ year career.  She’s curious, energetic, charismatic and above all, connected.  She’s the antithesis to prevailing aging stereotypes that depict older workers as those who tire too easily, get sick often, or are just too rigid or slow for a fast paced workplace.

Not only is my boss an older person, but so too are most of the people I routinely work with.  They’re all 50+ and many are in their 60s and 70s.  I consider myself fortunate to work with such an interesting and inspiring group of people, which is why I’m always perplexed when I read about the difficulties older people face when looking for a new job or re-entering the workforce.  I recently came across a press release from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that featured findings from a public hearing on developments (widespread layoffs, threats to benefits) under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.  Expert panelists testified about “conscious and unconscious aging stereotypes” that cause employers to undervalue the contributions older workers make to their organization.  Moreover, because of these stereotypes, older workers are targeted disproportionately during workforce reductions. (http://www.eeoc.gov/press/7-15-09.html.).

I think hiring and HR managers have it all wrong.  There’s a lot to be said for the experience that comes from lives lived.  Like the following:

• High powered connections – my boss can pick up the phone and reach government officials or executives at leading health care organizations;
• Appreciation that time is an important commodity that should not be wasted in meaningless meetings;
• Willingness to take risks because they can handle rejection and are past caring about what other people think (did you know over the past decade or so, the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity is among those 50+?  Check out this report: http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/2009/entrepreneurship.pdf);
• Ability to follow through on their word – older workers are incredibly dependable;
• Perspective – will the world really come to an end if you miss a deadline?

So my advice to any hiring managers reading this blog is to think twice the next time a “seasoned” resume or older job applicant comes your way.  Cast aside those ageist stereotypes and focus instead on the valuable skills and experience this person can bring to both your organization – and your life.

Laura Traynor is a project manager with The Transition Network, a growing non-profit organization for women 50+.  Together with her boss, Charlotte Frank, she manages the Caring Collaborative, an innovative program of strategic assistance offered by friends and neighbors to help women effectively handle emerging health issues ( www.ttncaringcollaborative.org ).

To find out more about Laura and the ImagineAge bloggers, click her photo.

To receive updates when new blogs are posted, enter your email in the “subscribe” box on the upper left side of the screen.  Your email will NOT be sold!