In 2000, individuals over the age of 65 made up about 12 percent of the United States population. By 2050, it is expected that roughly 22 percent of those living in California and throughout America will be over the age of 65.
Therefore, it may be necessary for individuals to spend additional years in the workforce. However, most people still prefer to start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62.
This may be in part because of age discrimination. According to one study of 2,000 adults over 50, more than half left their jobs for reasons such as their companies close or an unexpected retirement. Another study found that 39 percent of individuals who retired in 2014 were forced to do so.
The data suggests that older workers are being pushed aside in favor of younger employees. This can have negative impacts on a person’s long-term finances as well as on an individual’s physical and mental health.
It can also harm society because excluding older people means losing out on their experience. It is also worth noting that ageism in the workplace violates employment laws. However, this is not just a problem that occurs in the United States. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ending age discrimination is among its top priorities.
Employees who are forced to retire or are otherwise phased out of a company’s plans could be victims of age discrimination. A person could prove that this occurred by pointing to a pattern of older workers being replaced by younger ones.
An individual may also use job postings created by an employer that put an emphasis on digital or other skills that younger workers generally possess. If successful, a victim of age discrimination may be entitled to compensation from his or her employer.