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Demographic changes make an aging workforce a reality in the twenty-first century. While many older adults need and/or want to work, we have done little to prepare for their presence in the learning environment or workplace. Recognizing this, Maricopa CARES has actively sought opportunities to support and promote the education and employment of older adults. This effort began in earnest in the fall of 2000 when we joined forces with the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, Arizona AARP, the Aging and Adult Administration of the Department of Economic Security, and the Office of Senior Industries Development of the Department of Commerce, to establish the Older Workers Resource Task Force. Subsequently renamed the Arizona Older Worker Task Force, this statewide group continues to pursue its original mission: to ensure that Arizona's older adults who want or need employment are prepared to meet the workplace requirements of the twenty-first century and that they secure gainful employment in supportive environments.
David Mitchell, Director of Arizona AARP, speaks to the participants of the How Older Adults Learn and Work Dialogue Day, April 19, 2002, North Phoenix Baptist Community Center.
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Last spring, we convened faculty, staff, human resource managers, employers, advocates, and elders for a community day of dialogue on How Older Adults Learn and Work. Our goals, in part, were to describe the capacity of older adults as employees and their needs as students, to identify resources and share strategies for faculty of older adult students, and to examine concerns of faculty and employers of older adults. Together we explored the rich potential embodied in older adults, identified resources for educators and employers, and provided instruction in teaching older adults.
Federal legislation prohibiting age discrimination in employment protects individuals as young as 40. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 includes protections against discrimination based on age with respect to, among other things, hiring and firing, compensation, recruitment, and training. Harassment based on age and retaliation against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination are also prohibited. The ADEA protects job applicants as well as employees.
Age discrimination in employment is often based on lack of knowledge and information about old age in general and older workers in particular. Many employers are surprised to learn of older workers' reliability, commitment, and typically excellent work habits. Old age need not be a time of decline; rather it can be a period of exploration, growth, and productivity. Moreover, learning need not cease with age as evidenced by the popularity of lifelong learning programs and Internet communication among elders.
Unfortunately, as is the case with ageism in general, much discrimination in employment is subtle and insidious. It may not even be identified as such on a conscious level by the victim or the perpetrator. Age discrimination in employment undermines self-esteem, shatters personal incentive, and destroys one's will. This spiraling down can occur in the classroom just as it does in the workplace. As educators, we should prevent it when we can and reverse it when it occurs.
For information about programs at your local college or in your community, contact:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Sun Lakes Education Center
Mary Kaye Allen
(480) 857-5505
Estrella Mountain Community College
Community Education Program
Gina Sandoval
(623) 935-8499
Glendale Community College
Community Education
Suzanne Higgins
(623) 845-3808
Mesa Community College
Senior Programs
Marie Allen
(480) 461-6251
Paradise Valley Community College
Senior College
Judi Anderson
(602) 787-6802
Phoenix College
Adult Education Program
Colleen Massey
(602) 285-7192
Rio Salado College
Sun Cities Lifelong Learning Center
Charlcey Brabec
(480) 517-8776
Scottsdale Community College
Senior Adult Educational Program
Vincent Huffman
(480) 423-6535
South Mountain Community College
Guadalupe Center
Raul Monreal
(602) 243-8040
For additional information about Maricopa CARES, the Senior Adult Network, college programs, or eldercare, contact Rose Pfefferbaum at (602) 285-7587.
 Rose Pfefferbaum, Ph.D., mcli
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