When we surveyed you last year, we received a request to examine age discrimination. President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the Presidential election has me thinking about age discrimination. Specifically, when, if ever, is it “okay” to ask an older person “to go sit down” to make room for a younger person? Does your opinion change based on what is at stake—profits vs. democracy?
Age Discrimination
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Commission:
Age discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. It does not protect workers under the age of 40, although some states have laws that protect younger workers from age discrimination. It is not illegal for an employer or other covered entity to favor an older worker over a younger one, even if both workers are age 40 or older.
Octogenarians at Work
On Saturday, my mother turns 80. Since her retirement, she has volunteered at the church, primarily with the hospitality committee (which provides food for events). People love her pound cake and wait all year for our family’s Christmas dinner. She cooks all the food. My stepdad cooks the pig feet (YUCK!). I set up the table and chairs. The kitchen is not my happy place.
While most octogenarians are like my mother, not working for a wage, 11.2 % do work for a wage (see Table 1). Women make up 45% of the octogenarians who work for a wage. Sixty-one percent of the women work for a nonprofit. I have been encouraged to hire older workers who are more dedicated and conscientious. I’d employ my mother, but she enjoys telling me what to do, and neither of us needs that stress.
Table 1. Octogenarians by Employment Status, Ethnicity, Race and Sex
Source: 2022 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau. Calculations by the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race.
Although 9% of octogenarians live below the federal poverty line, 60% are women (see Table 2). This aligns with what we know about the feminization of poverty. However, only 12% of women who are octogenarians live below the federal poverty line. Additionally, of the octogenarians living below the poverty line and working, 33% are widowed women. (see Table 3). As we saw with homeownership, this group has precarious economic outcomes.
Table 2. Octogenarians by Poverty Status, Ethnicity, Race and Sex
Source: 2022 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau. Calculations by the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race.
Table 3. Octogenarians Below the Poverty Line by Ethnicity, Marital Status Race, and Sex
Source: 2022 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau. Calculations by the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race.
Exit Stage Left
I have told my circle that I am never going to retire. My vision for my retirement looks something like this: I am on a stage giving a talk, and someone raises their hand with a question. I ask, “Do you have a statistics question?” They look puzzled. I say, “Is today Tuesday or Thursday (the days I usually teach stats)?” Someone comes and politely escorts me off the stage. Another apologizes to the audience and announces my retirement.
I’ll watch President Biden tonight because I manage all the characteristics of a seasoned worker—tired and forgetful, yet with a wealth of valuable experience. I’ll watch because I am grappling with the question, “Is it ever okay to ask an older person to go sit down to make room for a younger person?” I’ll watch because one day, this could be me—having to leave my leadership role at WISER to make room for someone younger with more energy and fresh ideas.
Whatever your retirement status or goals, I wish you the freedom to exit the labor market of your own choice.
