This qualitative case study described the development of adaptive competence in older workers using a Model of Adaptability and Adaptation developed by Dr. Douglas T. Hall (2002). Few studies have focused on the development of adaptability in workers when faced with change and no studies have focused on the development of adaptability in older…

This article presents the results of a study into stereotyping by managers of their older workers and the influence of these stereotypes on the inclination of managers to keep their older workers in employment. The data for the study were gathered among 796 managers. Through principal components analysis, 15 opinions about older workers were…

Although the Baby Boomers are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and they are quickly approaching retirement age, research has widely neglected to look at the reasons as to why many of them intend on opting for bridge employment as opposed to completely retiring. This study examined the relationships among four reasons for working…

In this paper, the discussion concerns the trainig of older adults for work as child caregivers. Four questions are addressed: (1) Why is child care a work option for the older worker? (2) What is the target population of older persons interested in preparing for this field of work? (3) How can adult learner characteristics be integrated into a…

Attitudes and decisions regarding older workers should become an increasingly important issue for industrial/organizational psychologists in the 1980's. A variety of problems encountered by older workers has prompted concern about age discrimination in industry. Situational factors also affect the extent to which stereotypes about groups influence…

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against persons aged 40 to 65; the ADEA Amendments of 1978 restrict mandatory retirement. Age 65 has been widely regarded as a customary age for retirement, given widespread eligibility for retirement benefits at that age. Substantial numbers of older workers leave…

This document contains the transcripts of testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to gather information on Michigan's Older Americans Act programs. Following the opening statement of Representative Albosta, briefly summarizing the objectives of the Act, the prepared statement of Representative Hertel is given.…

This report examines Project Elderly, a project developed to provide job possibilities for the older adult in the labor market in metropolitan Miami (FL). A survey questionnaire was developed to (1) assess the opportunities of the elderly for re-entry into volunteer and paid employment positions; (2) determine the extent of the senior population…

Designed to assist training staff in the planning and implementation of training for older workers, this guide indicates: the main problem areas; the extent and importance of the various requirements; some industrial experience in dealing with such problems; and some further resources of information on particular aspects of training of adults. The…

The project was designed to develop, and evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-retirement planning program. The project, in its second year of operation, has had 575 participants who attended a seven-week series of programs covering the topics of employment after retirement, estate planning, company fringe benefits, continuing education,…

Suggests the establishment of a new type of occupational system for older workers (emeritus jobs) utilizing life time skills which would begin at the conclusion of active careers and continue until the individual is either unwilling or unable to work. (EM)

Notes that inclusion of older workers into the labor force is becoming a social and economic need. Asks counselors to encourage career planning for the total life span including years typically used for retirement. Addresses attitudinal obstacles to extending work lives, options for continuing work life, and effective procedures for promoting…

While methodological difficulties associated with the study of age and work performance make firm conclusions difficult to draw, it is apparent from a number of well-designed studies that age often has no real influence on performance. Wide individual differences exist and experience often counteracts any age effects. (JOW)

Having a labor pool of retirees available on an as-needed basis to meet temporary increases in work loads was especially appealing to 30 managers questioned in a study. The major obstacle in implementing options was managers' perceptions that older workers and supervisors were not interested in such alternatives. (Author/CT)

Notes the economic, social, and psychological reasons older adults consider a return to paid employment and discusses the need for courses geared toward second career preparation. Describes representative programs initiated at community colleges to provide training opportunities and support services that are effective in the placement of older…