Working With Older Persons Exam Emphasis ADEA (2) Leadership challenges (2) Leadership opportunities (1) Stereotypes ( 1) Ageism (1)

Stereotypes & Realities People quit learning when they get old People do not deteriorate in intelligence if they remain healthy, are physically and mentally active, and stimulated They are more rigid and dogmatic They are more nurturing, caring & mellow

Stereotypes & Realities They are less productive, just coasting to retirement They perform as well as younger workers on almost all criteria They have higher absenteeism & accident rates They are not as attractive to clients Older women are devalued compared to men Media images need to change

Stereotypes & Realities True - you’re only as old as you feel Maintain a positive attitude Remain mentally & physically active True - use it or lose it Diet, exercise, lifestyle and environment

Ageism Younger managers perceive older workers as rigid, too old to train, declining in competence, and less creative Less feedback and guidance Very limited training opportunities Contributes to skills obsolescence Limited promotion opportunities

Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADA) Provides guidelines in the areas of recruiting, hiring, selection, promotion, and termination Protect workers over age 40 from discrimination Promote employment opportunities for capable older workers Protect nearly all employees from forced retirement at any age

Leadership Challenge Preventing Skills Obsolescence How to prevent skills obsolescence Career planning Training Results of skills obsolescence More likely to lose job due to downsizing More likely to experience longer periods of joblessness More likely to take a pay cut

Leadership Opportunities Build on Older Persons’ Strengths Understand how education level affects needs Understand older employees’ motivational needs Adopt strategies for meeting needs Support corporate culture changes

Leadership Opportunities Build on Older Persons’ Strengths Support strategies for retaining older workers Support flexible career options Make fair assessments & performance reviews Help make connections to the over-50 marketplace