I’ve met hundreds of older Coloradans who were unemployed or underemployed, even before the pandemic. In 2020, Changing the Narrative surveyed over 1200 Coloradans age 50+ to find out how COVID-19 affected their work, and what would be helpful. The survey found that:
· 53% had their work status negatively affected by the pandemic
· 50% were looking for work
· One-third experienced age discrimination
· 78% reported that they needed to work to sustain daily living, and 76% said they needed to increase retirement security
Janine Vanderburg
This is consistent with national data showing that COVID-19’s economic impact has disproportionately affected older adults. If we don’t act, many older Coloradans will plunge into poverty, others’ retirement security will be compromised, and the state will face increasing financial burdens.
Stimulus dollars provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to think differently about how we re-tool our training and workforce development systems so that our economy can leverage the talents and strengths of multiple generations, critical since the future of work will involve four to five generations working alongside each other.
It’s time to counter the myths about older workers, e.g., that we are not willing to learn new things. Our survey found that 50 percent are interested in changing careers, and older workers want to reskill with tools such as:
· Paid certifications (55%)
· Technology training (44%)
· Internships, apprenticeships and returnships (37%)
Stimulus funding can be a powerful catalyst for ensuring that Coloradans of all ages gain the skills we—and our economy—need for the future.
Janine Vanderburg leads Changing the Narrative, a campaign to change the way that people think, talk and act about aging and ageism. You can read more about the Age-Friendly Workplace Initiative at: Changing the Narrative Website.