For jobless over 50, a challenging search for work
ROCKFORD, Ill. Slowjob growth in the U.S. hurts all Americans, but older workers are facing an especially hard time, a new survey shows.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that more than half of those 50 and older who've hunted for a job in the past five years say their search was moderately or very difficult, and more than 4 of 10 said employers were concerned about their age.
Overall, one in five people 50 or older report having personally experienced prejudice or discrimination in the workplace because of their age, according to the survey. That includes including being passed over for a raise or promotion, receiving unwanted assignments, and being a chance to learn new skills.
Though the overall unemployment rate is lower for older people, long-term unemployment is higher.
Half of Americans ages 50 or older are either working or searching for a job. Among people who are at least 55, 13 percent are still working and not yet retired, while 8 percent are working in retirement.
Despite older Americans' job struggles, a majority of adults, at 62 percent, age 50 and older say their age hasn't been an issue in their work life and career, the center found. Some companies are welcoming older workers, and some job seekers surveyed found a high demand for their skills and their experience.