Across America, cities and businesses are facing a stubborn challenge: a shortage of workers. From healthcare and retail to education and public services, communities are feeling the strain of unfilled jobs and widening skill gaps.
But what if a powerful solution has been hiding in plain sight all along?
Older adults, often overlooked in workforce conversations, represent an untapped talent pool that could transform local economies.
The Overlooked Opportunity in Your Backyard
As people live longer, healthier lives, many older adults are eager to remain active, contribute meaningfully, and supplement their incomes. However, community workforce systems often fail to connect them to the opportunities they’re seeking.
Data from Polco’s Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA), administered in communities nationwide, reveals this disconnect clearly:
- Just 15% of older adults rated the quality of local employment opportunities positively.
- Only 13% felt there was a good variety of jobs for their age group.
- A mere 22% reported having access to programs for building work-related skills.
These aren’t just low ratings—they’re signals of a broader systemic gap. Meanwhile, many older residents report serious financial challenges:
- Over half (53%) struggle to cover daily expenses.
- 37% have difficulty finding work during retirement.
- 32% face barriers to building new skills.
This combination of need and desire presents a significant opportunity for local governments and employers alike.
Rethinking Workforce Solutions for Adults 55+
Solving today’s labor shortages requires more than recruitment drives or job fairs. It calls for a fundamental shift in how we think about older workers.
Here are some forward-thinking strategies communities can adopt:
- Flexible, Age-Friendly Roles: Create part-time or project-based jobs that leverage older adults’ experience while accommodating their preferred schedules.
- Modern Skill-Building Programs: Offer training in technology, digital tools, and evolving workplace practices to help older adults stay competitive.
- Cross-Sector Partnerships: Unite local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to foster age-inclusive hiring initiatives and volunteer pathways.
By engaging this population intentionally, communities can not only ease labor shortages but also enrich their civic fabric with the wisdom and dedication of older residents.
Data as a Catalyst for Change
Local leaders don’t need to guess what older adults want or need. Tools like CASOA offer a data-driven starting point. This nationally benchmarked survey provides insight into older adults' views on housing, transportation, social connection, and employment—painting a full picture of what it takes to age well in a community.
By leveraging CASOA’s findings alongside platforms like Polco’s Track (for community metrics) and Engage (for resident feedback), localities can design targeted programs that align with older adults' aspirations and boost the entire community’s resilience.
A Smarter Path Forward
In a tight labor market, sidelining older adults isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a critical mistake. Communities that recognize and activate this talent pool will be better positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
Investing in age-friendly workforce solutions isn’t charity. It’s smart strategy—grounded in data, driven by inclusion, and poised to deliver lasting economic benefits.
Learn about the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) >>
Explore Polco's solutions for older adults >>
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