For several years, I have navigated the job market, seeking gainful employment through all the popular job platforms, including Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Earn Better, and Glassdoor. Yet, despite numerous messages indicating that my skills match the job posts, I am never the one selected by employers. This is not just my story; it's a shared experience among many senior job seekers. It is time to demand change and stand up for our community who, despite years of experience, continue to face unwarranted barriers in the job market.

Senior workers bring not only skills and experience but also reliability, intelligence, and a rich history of navigating the professional world. Yet, there is a pervasive prejudice against older workers, leading to their systematic exclusion from employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers age 55 and older are the fastest-growing labor force in the United States, projected to make up nearly a quarter of the labor force by 2026. However, a survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that more than 60% of workers age 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

This unacceptable reality highlights the need for employers to embrace diversity, not only in terms of gender and race but also age. Age discrimination not only impacts individual lives but also the economy. Research from the National Council on Aging suggests that if more older adults could be incorporated into the workforce, the U.S. economy could benefit from an estimated increase of $1 trillion in gross domestic product annually by 2032.

We are calling on companies, recruiters, and policymakers to actively reevaluate their hiring practices to ensure senior candidates receive fair consideration. Employers should offer positions to senior workers when they are the right fit for the role, appreciating the value they bring to any workplace. Organizations like AARP have outlined steps to promote age inclusivity in the workplace, such as providing age-diverse training, reviewing hiring cues, and ensuring age-diverse language is used in job descriptions.

Everyone deserves to work in an environment where their skills and experience are valued and respected, regardless of age. Let's end the stigma and pave the way for inclusive hiring practices that recognize and reward the contributions of senior workers.

Sign this petition to endorse fair employment opportunities for senior workers and to encourage companies across all industries to commit to age-inclusive practices, so that skilled and dedicated senior workers can be rightfully employed and respected in the workplace.