The human resource potential of Americans over 50

Abstract

This article analyzes whether many Americans over age 50 want to return to work. It estimates that among males ages 55 to 64 and females ages 50 to 59 currently not working 1.1 million persons are ready and able to work, have substantial skills and education, would work in high demand occupations, and are flexible about conditions of employment.

Age Norms and Career Motivation

“…One need not fall within an age group to hold a belief about what is important at that time in ones life. The decision to ask how important the issues were for people other than oneself is consistent with the notion of age norms and with previous research on the topic (Byrd & Breuss, 1992;Lawrence, 1988;Neugarten et al, 1965).…”

“…Of course, this is a risk anytime one asks about beliefs related to age. Asking about the age at which something is appropriate (i.e., Neugarten et al, 1965) also demands that one respond in terms of age.…”

“…While the role of work in aging has been relatively under-studied (APS, 1993;Greller & Stroh, 1995;Hansson, DeKoekkoek, Neece, & Patterson, 1997;Sterns & Miklos, 1995) aging workers face choices regarding continuing labor force participation. The prevalence of early retirement and the frequent dissatisfaction about being without work after retirement (McNaughton, Barth & Henderson, 1989) suggest that workers are not responding entirely to their own needs but may experience some pressures to leave the work force-possibly as a result of age norms related to work. If people are influenced by work related age norms the effect should be evident in changes in their work attitudes or career motivation, independent of their broader sense of well-being.…”

“…To assess the age relatedness of a particular norm a modification of the Neugarten, et al (1965;Byrd & Breuss, 1992;Lawrence, 1988) methodology was used. Rather than ask people to assign a specific age to a role, achievement, or concern, participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they believed the issue was a concern at each of five ages.…”

Pro-Work Policy Proposals for Older Americans in the 21st Century

“…Survey evidence suggests that many older Americans would like to work more than they do. McNaught, Barth, and Henderson (1989) analyzed the responses of the retirees in a 1989 Harris poll of 3,500 older Americans. Between 14 and 25 percent of the retirees, representing 1 to 2 million people, reported that they preferred to be working and that they would be able to work if a suitable job were available.…”