The share of older persons in the U.S. population age 55 and older is projected to increase to 30% by 2025 and continue to grow through 2050. At the same time, more older persons are expected to continue working than in the past and, in doing so, may need employment and training services as they make transitions to different jobs and work arrangements. The U.S. Dept. of Labor has identified one-stop career centers (OS) as a means to link older workers with employers through employment and training services. To address the role of OS in serving older workers, this report examined: the Dept. of Labor¿s actions to help OS link employers and older workers; and OS actions to help employers hire and retain older workers. Charts and tables.

This guide is intended for use by state officials as a guide to state policies, practices, and procedures that enhance employment opportunities for older workers. An executive summary highlights the problems--labor shortages and the strain on the retirement system--and a remedy--staying on the job longer. Examples of policies, practices, and procedures that states may want to consider are described. Recommendations are that all states should have a state-level planning mechanism to address employment and training needs of older individuals, older workers should be represented in policymaking bodies, and older worker organizations should increase their advocacy role. The body of the guide analyzes and synthesizes results of a national survey sent to state Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) liaisons, directors of state units on aging, and selected directors of local JTPA service delivery areas; 53 responses from 36 states are included. The guide is divided into four sections. The first contains a variety of relevant state-level policies and practices. The second section covers JTPA policies and practices. The third section is devoted to Employment Service (Wagner-Peyser) policies and practices. The final section covers the Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program authorized under the Older Americans Act. The appendix contains 11 references and proclamations on older workers by the Governors of New Mexico and New York. (YLB)

The experience of an abrupt and often premature departure from work can leave individuals feeling disoriented and can prevent their valuable economic potential from being tapped. This report, published in association with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explores the possibilities of more flexible forms of work that bridge the gap between a steady career job and retirement. It examines such jobs in the wider context of the types of transition that are being made by people retiring early and makes recommendations for future retirement policy in the UK.