Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging today joined state leaders across the nation in acknowledging National Employ Older Workers Week. The week of September 21 provides the opportunity to focus on recognizing the importance of older workers participation in the labor force.
"America is witnessing a dramatic growth in the number of citizens who are 55 and older, a trend that will continue well into the 21st century. As our population continues to age, older persons will play an increasingly important role in maintaining our State’s economy and leadership in the world marketplace,” said Director Burgess. "The New York State Office for the Aging (NY SOFA) and the New York State Department of Labor (NS DOL) are working with assistance from the National Governor’s Association (NGA) to convene a diverse group of stakeholders to develop strategies for training, retraining and retaining older adults who are in the workforce or have retired and want to engage in a second career."
"This effort is of great importance to New York’s overall economic vitality since we know that many individuals are planning to work beyond the age of traditional retirement,” according to Burgess. "Under the leadership of Governor Paterson, I look forward to continue working with Commissioner Smith and all stakeholders to ensure that there is a statewide understanding of the important role older workers can play in maintaining the capacity of the state’s workforce to meet the future demands of our economy."
AARP research shows that many older citizens wish to remain in the work force to address the impact of the economic downturn on their retirement savings and 70 percent of employees plan on working past retirement, adding to the number and proportion of older workers in the workplace
.According to State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith, "The National Employ Older Worker Week is a time to recognize the vital role of older workers in the current labor force and the continuing importance of their participation in meeting the employment needs of our 21st century economy. She continued, "We have an opportunity to develop innovative strategies for tapping into this underutilized labor pool that can help address the challenge posed by future worker shortages."
Director Burgess concluded: "This week provides a great opportunity for all to realize that older citizens can play a vital role in addressing current and projected workforce shortages and they have much to contribute to our economy. The increased involvement of our older citizens fosters vibrant communities and healthier citizens."
The following are some facts from the United States and New York State Department of Labor highlighting the tremendous contribution of older workers to the economy.
