Report: Ethnic Seniors Job Prospects Improve

WASHINGTON -  A report released by AARP and the National Urban League takes a look at the prospects for African-American older workers as the economy recovers.

The new report, prepared for the two organizations by the Urban Institute, examines the labor market experiences of African-American workers aged 50 and over. AARP and the National Urban League point out in the study that older African-Americans could be well-positioned to take advantage of job opportunities likely to emerge in the rejuvenated economy. The study projects that health care and social service sectors are likely to generate many new jobs in the years ahead.

“As the recovery speeds up, older African-Americans can help meet employment needs in both the private and public sectors,” said Deborah Russell, director of workforce issues at AARP. “The role of community colleges and the workforce development community will be crucial in helping mature workers fill eventual shortages in high growth industries. Training programs that keep workersÂ’ skills up-to-date are critical to maximizing these opportunities.” 

Older African-Americans already make a significant contribution to the economy – the 4.6 million aged 50 and over are 9.5 percent of the aged 50-plus labor force, as of January, 2011. According to the study, African-American older workers have contributed at least $160 billion in earnings to the economy. 

In the context of these contributions, the great recession has been particularly devastating for African -American older workers. Frequently saddled with fewer resources than Americans over all, they have faced crushing burdens that include declining housing values, health care cost increases, reduced retirement savings, and high unemployment.

Russell and Dr. Valerie Rawlston Wilson of the National Urban League noted that the community college system provides training opportunities that might be particularly valuable to 50+ African-Americans in search of additional skills and credentials as they seek employment in the new economy. 

“Retraining mature workers with a desire and need to remain in the workforce is one of the most constructive ways of addressing the economic challenges this cohort faces while also capitalizing on the tremendous wealth of experience they bring to the workplace,” said Dr. Wilson, vice president of research at the National Urban League Policy Institute. “Facilitating the path to entrepreneurship is also a way to build upon the knowledge and creative capacity of this population,” she said.

AARP, in conjunction with the National Urban League Policy Institute, will hold a forum on March 8, from 8:30 am – noon, in New York City (concourse level of AARP offices, 780 Third Avenue, Manhattan, that will focus on the findings of the study. 

The report also focuses on current resources available to assist employers in assessing their needs in a multi-cultural, multi-generational economy. Those resources include AARPÂ’s free online Workforce Assessment Tool.  This unique planning resource, which already has been used by more than 1,500 companies, provides a snapshot of an organizationÂ’s workforce and demographics and the programs in place to leverage the talents and experience of its older workers. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the National Urban League 
Founded in 1910, the National Urban League is the leading civil rights organization dedicated to empowering African Americans and other minorities to enter the social and economic mainstream. Through a network of 98 separate 501(c )(3) affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, the NUL provides direct services to more than 2.1 million people annually and reaches millions more through its public policy and advocacy efforts, communications and publications. Included among its many direct services program is the National Urban League’s Mature Worker Program that, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, provides job training and placement, and subsidized employment for low-income adults, 55 and older, in six hard-hit locations – Boston, Dayton, Detroit, Newark, Pittsburgh and New York’s Westchester County.