New York Issue | September 2024

Volume 9, Issue 3

Empowering Older Women in the Workforce

The workforce landscape is evolving, with older women playing an increasingly vital yet often overlooked role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now comprise 46% of workers aged 65 and up, a 6% rise since 1987. This trend is driven by desires for an active lifestyle, social connections, and financial security. However, despite their growing presence, older women face significant challenges.

The gender wage gap widens with age, impacting Social Security benefits and retirement savings. Women's earnings peak earlier and decline more rapidly than men's. According to PayScale, women reach their earnings peak at age 44, earning $0.82 for every $1 that men earn. By age 45 and older, the gap widens further, with women earning only $0.74 for every $1 earned by men. Additionally, older women often encounter both age and gender discrimination in hiring and promotions.

This wage disparity reflects a lifetime of wage disparities and career interruptions, often due to caregiving responsibilities. Many older women find themselves compelled to work well into their retirement years, not out of choice, but out of financial necessity. This situation highlights the critical intersection of age, gender, and economic vulnerability in the labor market.



To address these challenges, targeted policies developed by a range of stakeholders including employers, workforce development boards and policy makers are essential. Employers can play a crucial role by promoting age-inclusive hiring practices, addressing the gender wage gap, and encouraging professional development are crucial steps. They can also foster inclusivity by offering flexible work arrangements and ensuring workplace policies meet older employees' needs.

By creating a supportive environment for older women, it is possible to harness their valuable experience and skills, enriching both the workplace and society while supporting their financial security and well-being.

Source: PayScale

The Challenges of Age Discrimination

According to an AARP survey, nearly half of American workers older than 40 say they have faced age discrimination. Megan Cassella, senior writer for Barron's, joined CBS News to discuss the challenges of ageism.

AI and Experience: How Older Workers Can Thrive in the Modern Workplace

In today's rapidly evolving work environment, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we approach tasks and solve problems. For older workers, this technological shift presents a unique opportunity to enhance their already substantial skill sets and maintain their competitive edge in the workforce. 

Throughout their careers, many older workers have successfully adapted to numerous technological changes. This adaptability is an asset when integrating AI into existing workflows. Trena Minduri, Chief Learning Officer at Coursera, highlights the value of experienced workers: "Human skills such as critical thinking, organizational context, and leadership that many older workers possess will become increasingly important in an AI-driven world." Older workers have a wealth of knowledge and well-hone intuition. This combined with AI can lead to innovative solutions. They can effectively guide AI tools and quickly identify practical applications in their industries.

To make the most of AI, older workers should approach it with curiosity and confidence. Many AI platforms have user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible to all. Participating in AI workshops or online courses can help build familiarity.

Organizations can also benefit from implementing reverse mentoring programs, where younger employees share their AI expertise with older colleagues. This exchange of knowledge creates a symbiotic learning environment that strengthens the entire workforce.

By embracing AI as a powerful complement to their wealth of experience, older workers can drive innovation in their organizations and demonstrate that the combination of seasoned wisdom and cutting-edge technology is unbeatable in the modern workplace.

Sources: CNBC, Harvard Business Review

Participant Spotlight

Marion DeSouza's path to a new career began when she discovered a MaturityWorks program flyer at the Brooklyn Department of Labor in November 2023. At the time, Marion was facing significant life challenges and struggled with low confidence in her job search. The MaturityWorks program became her beacon of hope.

With a background in childcare as a nanny, Marion was eager to transition into a new field but lacked the necessary skills. Identifying computer skills as essential for career advancement, MaturityWorks connected Marion with a computer class at the Brooklyn Adult Learning Center. As Marion immersed herself in learning new digital skills, her confidence grew steadily. 

Over several months, Marion's progress in the computer class was remarkable. The knowledge she gained, coupled with the ongoing support from her MaturityWorks career counselor, empowered her to explore job opportunities. Her counselor worked closely with her, helping to identify suitable positions and guiding her through the application process. 

Marion's hard work and the program's support culminated in a successful job application for a housing specialist position at Westhap Corp. Her newly acquired skills and boosted confidence shone through during the interview, resulting in a job offer. This role involves liaising with housing placement units and interfacing with landlords. The MaturityWorks program not only helped Marion secure employment but also instilled in her a passion for continuous learning. She plans to continue her computer classes, aiming for proficiency that will further enhance her career prospects.

Host Agency Spotlight

The 116th Street Association is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing in East Harlem while empowering the community to preserve its cultural heritage amid evolving needs.  Founded in 1976 to address the critical housing and socio-economic problems in one of New York’s most economically disadvantaged communities, 116th Street Block Association provides a variety of vital services including housing development, tenant education, counseling, voucher assistance, referral services and landlord-tenant mediation. 

Since partnering with MaturityWorks in July of 2021 116th Street Block Association has become a robust training ground for our participants. They are afforded opportunities to develop office administration, interviewing skills, data entry proficiency, and maintenance expertise. Currently, two MaturityWorks participants are training at the host agency; one in front desk administration and the other in maintenance. 

116th Street’s Executive Director, Candy Vives-Vasquez gives hands-on training and always encourages professional development. In 2022 Julia Encarnacion began her training at the host agency and was given the opportunity to help clients with their housing issues. Last August, Julia was hired, and she is now a Housing Specialist. “I am grateful to 116th Street for being such a great partner, providing support, training, and employment for our participants. Thank you 116th Street Block Association!” – Julia Encarnacion