The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity are joining with the federal Department of Labor in observing “National Employ Older Workers Week”. It’s meant to honor older adults and their influence and impact in the workforce.
This year's theme “Embracing Experience and Empowering Futures” aims to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how older workers and employers can combat common stereotypes. With Michigan’s growing older adult population, the number of individuals working past the age of 55 is currently at a historic high.
Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director says quote, “Older adults make up nearly one quarter of Michigan's population and their lived experience, skills and knowledge can and should be leveraged to enhance Michigan's workforce,” end quote.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2021 and 2031 the number of workers ages 55 years and older will increase by about 10.2% to almost 41.5 million workers nationwide. With an estimated 10,000 adults turning 65 every day, retaining and recruiting older workers will become increasingly important in addressing labor shortages.
