Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the age definition of old in the workplace?
The definition of old depends on who is defining it. The Age Discrimination Employment Act uses age 40. The Social Security Administration recognizes age 65 as the normal retirement age.
2. Is there a mandatory retirement age in the United States?
No. The mandatory retirement age was removed in 1986 with an amendment to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
3. Does the ability to learn decline significantly by the age of 50?
No. Individuals can continue to learn at any age; however, some learning techniques are better utilized. Techniques such as paced learning, building on experience and hands on learning have proven highly effective. Older workers are more likely to remain on the job after training.
4. Are older workers slow performers?
No. There is no relationship between age and on-the-job performance. Studies show that experience leads to fewer mistakes, which leads to higher productivity.
5. Do older workers have more work related accidents than younger workers?
As a whole, older workers have fewer work related accidents than younger workers. While older workers have more accidents when they are in physically demanding jobs or jobs that require rapid response time, it is the younger workers who are more likely to have accidents that involve judgment.
6. Do older workers get sick more often?
No. Older workers actually use less sick leave than their younger counter parts.
7. Will most people have dementia if they live long enough?
No. Although dementia is typically a disease of old age, it is not part of the normal aging process. Among persons age 85 and over, approximately 15% have been diagnosed with dementia.
8. Is retirement consistently the best solution for workers who “level-out” or are “non-promotable"?
No. There are different reasons to plateau, such as boredom. Job change or job redesign may be more effective responses. Training, retraining and retaining are better choices.
9. As people age, do they tend to become more alike?
No. They become more and more unique. With age, individuals acquire skills, knowledge and experiences that set them apart from others.
10. Is it true that older workers do not want to work?
According to Maturity Works, there are 16 million Americans age 55+ working or looking for work.
