FocalPoint Partnerships

Rhode Island 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


Why Older Adults are Staying in the Workforce

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


Program Success

Participant Spotlight

In May 2022, Scott Greenfeld of Kent, Rhode Island was facing significant challenges in his job search. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to find suitable employment opportunities. Seeking help, he visited the American Job Center, where he was introduced to MaturityWorks, a program designed to support individuals in his situation. On May 23, 2022, Mr. Greenfeld enrolled in MaturityWorks, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. 


Through MaturityWorks, Mr. Greenfeld was placed at the Salvation Army as a custodial trainee. This role provided him with the chance to enhance his skills and build a solid, recent work history. As he worked diligently in his new position, his MaturityWorks career counselor regularly checked in on MR. Greenfield to maximize the benefits of his experience. The counselor assisted him in updating his resume to reflect his new skills and accomplishments and provided targeted job training through job clubs and an individual Employment Plan specifically aligned with Mr. Greenfeld’s career goals. 


Over the course of a year, Mr. Greenfeld’s dedication and hard work at the Salvation Army did not go unnoticed. The organization was impressed by his reliability and the quality of his work. In August 2023, his efforts were rewarded when he was offered a permanent position as a custodian. Today, Mr. Greenfeld continues to excel in this role, a testament to the impact of the MaturityWorks program and his own perseverance. 

Host Agency Spotlight

Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) is a private, nonprofit community action agency formed under the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act.  CCAP is one of Rhode Island’s largest organizations dedicated solely to fighting the war on poverty. Their professional staff provides a wide spectrum of services designed to help those in immediate need and empower anyone desiring to become more self-sufficient. 


MaturityWorks currently has one trainee training at CCAP's food Bank in Providence RI. She prepares and assist in handling the food and is gaining experience in customer service and really enjoys actively looking for ways to help people in the community. MaturityWorks has a great partnership with CCAP, who is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. These training opportunities enable MaturityWorks participants to improve their knowledge, motivation and skills.

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