Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The workplace is increasingly becoming a multigenerational setting (Chaudhuri & Ghosh, 2012). One of the biggest causes of this is the continued employment of America’s Baby Boomer generation. Older adults are working longer and longer, transitioning from full-time to part-time instead of full retirement (Casey & Collins, 2017). By 2026, nearly one in four American workers will be age 55 or older (Casey & Collins, 2017). Often times mentorship is available for the newest member of the job, but what about those who have been with the company for decades? What support is available to these individuals who not only are participating at their jobs, but also in other commitments? For example, one out of every four American workers age 55 and older are caring for a family member, and therefore in a position where finances are needed in order to further support themselves and those in need of such care (Casey & Collins, 2017). As a result, these individuals are often unseen and forced to struggle in silence. This study acknowledges the aging workforce in its’ complexity and offer effective support based on social work skillsets. Participants will: 1.Learn about the complex experiences the aging workforce is living through today 2. Recognize the continued ways the aging workforce can contribute, such as through reverse mentorship opportunities 3.Apply a social work response to the needs of the aging workforce in order to sustain these individuals in their roles and therefore help eliminate any potential conflict