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| AARP SmartBrief |
| September 2, 2010 |
Blog: Sense of purpose keeps many older workers on the job past 65
Some older Americans who remain in the workforce past the traditional retirement age say that staying employed gives them a sense of purpose. For example, at age 101, Sally Gordon is an assistant sergeant-at-arms for the Nebraska state legislature and says she will continue to work as long as she is able. Meanwhile, experts say that individuals who are able to remain in the workforce well past 65 are generally interested in nutrition and staying active. U.S. News & World Report/Planning to Retire blog (8/18)
Older job seekers should recognize the importance of HR screeners, experts say
Older Americans who are searching for employment should keep in mind the importance of connecting with a company's human resources screener, experts say. Interviewees should demonstrate patience and respect as they articulate their career and job goals. In addition, job seekers should remember that every person they encounter on their job search is important, experts say. CBS MoneyWatch/Career Management blog (8/26)
Recession slows wave of retiring aerospace, defense workers
With large numbers of aerospace and defense workers in the baby-boom generation reaching retirement age, many have feared a major wave of attrition and loss of experienced workers. But the recession appears to have changed all of that, and the retirement rate in aerospace in fact declined from 5.7% of eligible workers to just 2% in 2009, with 33% of workers eligible for retirement indicating that they were staying on because they were upside down on their 401(k) plans. The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) (8/20)
Nearly 2,000 employers may participate in retiree health care program
The White House recently announced that almost 2,000 employers and unions have been approved to participate in a program that will reimburse them for health claims from "early retirees," or retired workers aged 55 or older. Those individuals are too young to get Medicare. The program is aimed at encouraging employers to keep coverage in place for early retirees until federally subsidized health insurance exchanges are established in 2014. Meanwhile, some observers raised concerns that the $5 billion program will run out of funds before 2014. The Washington Post (8/31)
Study: Demand for psychiatrists grows as older doctors retire
A recent study found that demand for psychiatrists is growing sharply as many doctors near retirement age and the number of patients seeking help increases. Merritt Hawkins, the physician search division of AMN Healthcare Services, found that requests for psychiatrist services between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, rose 47% from the same period in the previous year. More than 50% of the nation's psychiatrists are 55 or older and nearing retirement age, according to Merritt Hawkins. Workforce Online (7/6)
Survey: Most employers plan to keep health care coverage
About 64% of employers who participated in a recent survey said they are not planning on dropping their health care benefits. The Fidelity Investments survey found that just 20% of employers who responded were considering eliminating health care. Meanwhile, some large employers said they are considering adopting high-deductible plans in response to recent health care reform legislation. Workforce Online (7/29)
The benefits of an aging quickservice workforce
Baby boomers are staying in the workforce longer and the next generation is growing more slowly, which means quickservice eateries are seeing a shift away from the traditional teenage workers to older employees. The move may make some operators nervous about older workers' ability to change with the times, but experts say there are big benefits to be derived. QSRMagazine.com (8/26)
AARP offers webinar on personal branding Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. EST
AARP continues its series of free webinars for older workers with the presentation "Promote Yourself with a Personal Brand" on Sept. 14. The webinar will show older job seekers and entrepreneurs how to use commercial branding techniques to find a job or build a business. Participants will get tips on how to market their skills to be more competitive. Learn more at AARP.org. Blank (8/31)
Without subsidy, some Americans may forgo health insurance
Observers say there is little chance that Congress will renew the COBRA subsidy program this election year. The subsidy, which covers 65% of the cost of health insurance premiums for some unemployed workers, ended on May 31, leaving people who had exhausted the 15-month limit and the newly unemployed without access to the subsidy. Without the subsidy, the average price for family coverage is about $1,100 a month, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Kaiser Health News (8/18)
Court allows "stray remarks" as evidence in age discrimination case
The California Supreme Court recently ruled that remarks about an employee's age may be evidence of discrimination even if the comments are made directly in the context of employment or by a non-decision-maker. The employer, Google, had argued that comments made by the plaintiff's co-workers were simply "stray remarks." Observers say the ruling will make it more difficult for employers to defeat discrimination claims without going to trial. The Wall Street Journal/Law Blog (8/6)
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