Tide Turning for Older Workers

A report in today's Financial Review shows that barriers to over 55's working on are slowly lifting but there's much more to be done. Those with jobs are finding it a little easier to stay in them but as yet there is little evidence of improved activity of employers recruiting older workers.

The ANZ Bank this week announced a policy guaranteeing over 55's the right to work on in part time jobs. Westpac also has a focus on having older workers in client facing roles to match the ageing customer base who would rather see a few grey hairs on people helping them sort out their finances.

As for the retrenched older worker looking for new work, there are some stories of frustration spending months applying for jobs matching qualifications and experience. Happiest tales are those who changed tack and went for entry level "junior" positions.

Some statistics quoted are:

* Average age of retirement at ANZ has increased from 54.9 in 1998 to 57.3 in 2005

* Of 'best practice' companies, 91% had policies and practices for harassment, 69% for caring responsibilities but only 44% for prevention of age discrimination.

* Areas of employment with the most older workers are education (47% aged 54 to 64) and health and community services (42% aged 54 to 64).

For older people, staying in some work (whether paid or voluntary) has health and well being advantages. US Dr Linda Fried from John Hopkins Centre for Ageing and Health showed in a 2004 study, that retirees working 15 hours a week or more were more physically, cognitively and socially active than their cohort control group.

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