The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a polarizing growth pattern within the labor force between 2020 and 2030. Workers ages 16-54 are projected to surpass those ages 55 and older within the next decade, and the 75-and-older group alone is expected to increase by 96.5%. Simultaneously, the 16-24 age group is likely to see a 7.5% decline. Many seniors are choosing to continue working or return from retirement. According to the Council on Aging, 73% of seniors don’t work because they need to; they work because they want to.
With these projected numbers, it’s important for older adults to use resources like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) to find a job that will work for them. The SCSEP is “the nation’s oldest program to help low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55+ find employment.” The program focuses on matching older adults with proper training and job opportunities, often leading to permanent employment. This guide provides tips for reentering the workforce and what seniors need to know about SCSEP.
Additional Senior Employment Resources
AARP Work channel. The AARP makes it easy for seniors to find jobs and feel supported. Visitors can use the job board search engine designed specifically for seniors to find listings relevant to their experience. The Work channel landing page is full of resources on returning to work and being a senior in the workforce. Members have access to career webinars, and visitors will find a long list of articles about age discrimination that teach older adults how to recognize it and what to do about it.
Workforce50.com. This is a website for job seekers over 50. With a home page dedicated to finding jobs around the country, Workforce50 provides a place not only for prospective employees but employers, too. Companies looking to hire an older and experienced adult can create and post job listings directly to the website. Check out the Workforce50 and Career Research libraries for resources covering a variety of job-related topics, and sign up for email alerts to stay up to date on the latest job listings.
Seniors4Hire.org. In operation for nearly 20 years, Seniors4Hire is an online career center that advocates for adults over 50 who are seeking jobs and ways to make a living. Not only can businesses post job listings on the site, but job seekers can also post their resumes. You must be registered to use the search and post features on the website, but it’s free to join Seniors4Hire. This organization also has a job alert email option for those looking to stay on top of the latest listings.
BACK TO WORK 50+. The AARP created a space for members to access free resources, coaching, and workshops, including the Smart Strategies Workshop provided at various locations around the country and online. The AARP has partnered with local workforce services to connect job candidates to positions within their own communities. Currently, there are eight locations in the U.S. throughout the Midwest and the South. These offices work to connect adults 50+ with local opportunities.
Retired Brains. This is another website with nearly 20 years of experience helping seniors find work after retirement. Get information on how to work from home as an older adult, secure seasonal and part-time supplemental positions, or start your own business. Retired Brains is full of resources and advice on how to approach working as a senior. Visitors will also find information about senior discounts, continuing education, volunteering, and travel. The website even hosts its own job search engine, allowing users to search by job title and location.
Written by: Carolyn Kleiman, Professional Resume Writer Updated: July 13, 2022