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Older job seekers and age discrimination

Age discrimination is a real problem for older people in Texas, especially those that are looking for work. Although the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers at or over the age of 40, age-based discrimination is still rampant throughout the country.

A hidden problem

Employers usually won’t directly tell a job candidate that they aren’t being hired because they’re too old. Instead, they’ll make subtle judgments about age that will usually go unsaid. Age indicators on a resume could also prevent a job candidate from ever being called for an interview.

Common reasons for age discrimination

Younger job candidates are often favored over older ones because they will usually expect less pay. Some employers also view younger workers as people who can be more easily trained because they are not “set in their ways.” Often, employers falsely assume that older job candidates don’t know how to use new technology.

Age is not a valid reason to not hire someone

Employers can only discriminate against job candidates for their skills and qualifications. If an employer makes assumptions about a job candidate’s abilities based on their age, this is age discrimination. It is also illegal for an employer to ask a job candidate how old they are.

More older people are returning to work

Drawing more awareness to age discrimination is important since more and more older people are returning to work. There was a wave of early retirements in 2020, but now those same people are realizing that they need a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, almost 40% of people between the ages of 65 and 69 are expected to still be working in 2030. The BLS says that one-quarter of 70 to 74-year-olds are likely to still be working in 2030 as well.