Age and Employment: Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace

Age and Employment: Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace

President Biden, in an effort to minimize opportunities for critics to exploit his age, has been observed using shorter stairs. An analysis by NBC News revealed that since falling during an Air Force Academy graduation, the President has opted for shorter stairs 84% of the time when boarding and disembarking from his plane. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous rate of 37%. On occasions, he has chosen to use a longer staircase one way and a shorter one in the opposite direction. Additionally, the President has occasionally missed social dinners during his foreign trips and has relied on note cards.

The President's age has become a topic of debate as he gears up for his re-election campaign, just as it was during his run in 2020. However, aging is not unique to him. A Bain & Co. analysis predicts that by 2031, workers aged 55 and older will make up a quarter of the U.S. workforce. This demographic shift is not exclusive to the United States, as countries like Italy and Japan also experience similar trends. In fact, there will be approximately 150 million jobs globally occupied by individuals in this age group.

Although older workers bring a wealth of experience to their roles, they often face discrimination both during employment and the hiring process. An AARP survey revealed that almost two-thirds of adults aged 50 and older have witnessed age discrimination at work. This discrimination can manifest in negative comments about their age or being overlooked for promotions. The survey findings imply that ageism persists in many professional settings.

This bias against aging workers deters retirees from re-entering the labor force, as discovered by an American Staffing Association survey. More than 40% of retirees expressed concern that their age would hinder their chances of finding employment.

During a White House news conference, President Biden acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his age, recognizing the importance of voters evaluating this aspect during his re-election campaign. He expressed his own thorough reflection on the matter prior to deciding to run, emphasizing that he feels optimistic and energized about the future.