Older Workers As An Increasingly Important Human Resource For the National Economy

• U.S. workers are living longer, healthier lives

• Opinion polls suggest that some older workers want to extend their careers

• Evidence shows that staying mentally and physically active can increase life spans

• Older workers have experience, key skills that are not always quickly replaced, leaving potential for occupational bottlenecks (Some occupations already affected, e.g., teachers, public safety workers, nurses)

• Projected slow workforce growth and long-range fiscal imbalances serve to reinforce the need to provide individual opportunities for older workers

• Meeting policy challenges of extending employment lives of older workers can lead to budgetary,economic, and other benefits for this nation and others

• We need to review and reconsider existing incentives and barriers both in the public and private sectors