Can we talk?

May

  May is Older Americans Month. I looked this up to see just what that means. Are "Older Americans" people over 80? Over 65? No, this is the month to celebrate people over 40!

    That's right. 40. It started to represent workers over age 40 who may begin to experience discrimination in the work place. It happens still. Small shops won't hire people over 40 because the managers tend to  be young, and they don't want to supervise people their parents' age. Some people get weaned out after 45 or 50 for the same reason, or because they're paid too much seniority or don't have the latest styles or computer gadgets. They may walk a little slower, which of course means they're lazy, so they don't get promotions.

    Well, this month is intended to celebrate all the gifts and experience that the older worker  brings. Gifts like maturity, less self-involvement, a more mellow temperament, skills taught on the job. Surprisingly, older workers can still learn new ways and adapt despite the tendency of many managers to believe older workers can't change.Older workers can be a great asset.

    So, hire an older American this month. Consider one for retraining, or shifting responsibilities. And be sure that your work place doesn't practice prejudice or harassment based on age. Celebrate the contributions of older American workers!