Rethinking Aging: A Workforce Opportunity, Not a Barrier
I am often countering the sentiment from the realm of Economic Development that ‘seniors don’t fit within our portfolio’. I highlight:
(a) the facts of a shifting demographic, including that those aged 65 and older have grown six times faster than children, that Canadians aged 65 and older are the group expected to increase at the fastest pace until the extent of population projections in 2073, and that our workforce too is aging (22% of persons of working age are 55-64 in Canada)
(b) how businesses should be preparing for and welcoming older employees to capture this workforce opportunity
(c) that with an aging population, current workforce will be impacted due to increased unpaid caregiving demands from family and friends
(d) that there is a wide range of business opportunities to support aging populations – active, engaging, and supportive
(e) older adults have great wisdom to mentor, and many are entrepreneurial
Day 1 of the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Building a Future for All conference had two insightful speakers that added to the above perspectives. Research by Ellie Berger highlighted the structural depth of ageism in the workplace (her book - Ageism At Work, Deconstructing Age and Gender in the Discriminating Labour Market), and challenged us to confront these discriminatory perspectives and acknowledge, adapt and prepare accordingly. @Tracey Hill from County of Simcoe shared their Age-Friendly Business Recognition Program with its many great resources and prompts for consideration.
Thanks for the insights and thoughts! Let's work collaboratively across sectors and disciplines to shift our thinking and recognize the positive contributions of older adults. We are all aging.