Older Americans Face Age-Related Employment Challenges Amid Pandemic

The Hill reports that employed Americans 55 and older who have lost their jobs may find it difficult to secure another position due to their physical vulnerabilities, age, and perceived lack of technological familiarity, according to experts. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of all working adults older than 55 determined that 5.4 percent are unemployed. Meanwhile, almost 11 percent of people ages 20 to 24 are unemployed, 6 percent of people 45 to 55 are unemployed, and 5.8 percent of people 35 to 44 are jobless — but older people's economic security could be temporary. As COVID-19 cases rise nationally, companies must face difficult questions about whether it is safe to return to work for all employees and how in-person work will be impacted moving forward. "All the data are showing that the numbers are going back up, the vulnerability has increased across the board for everyone," said AARP's Susan Weinstock. She highlighted the concern that companies will not hire back older people who lost their jobs because they are at high risk for contracting COVID-19.