Workers aged 55 and older make up a significant portion of the American workforce—about 20 percent—and that share is increasing as the population ages. Research shows older workers typically have lower absenteeism and lower turnover than younger employees, and they bring years of experience and refined skills that can boost productivity. Given the growing skills shortage and a tightening labor market, employers should be encouraging knowledge transfer from seasoned employees and keeping them engaged as long as possible. Despite these advantages, age discrimination in hiring and the workplace remains a serious challenge.
What can people over 55 do to stay motivated, perform effectively, and maintain a positive outlook about work and life? Below are practical, research-informed career strategies and tips—30 ideas grouped into key themes—to help older workers navigate career planning, job changes, health, and workplace dynamics.
Still Plan Out Your Goals
If you’re over 55, you’ve likely accumulated considerable experience and may be established in your role or occupying a leadership position. Now is a good time to reflect on your professional life. Have you reached the career milestones that matter to you? Are you satisfied with your work–life balance? Are you considering a job or career change?
The factors that make work meaningful—ongoing learning, stimulating challenges, flexibility, purpose, social connections, opportunities for advancement, and inclusion—remain important at every age. Use goal-setting to clarify what you want from the next stage of your career and to design steps that move you toward those objectives.
Keep a Flexible, Positive Outlook
Maintaining a positive mindset and flexibility helps you adapt to workplace changes such as remote work, new communication tools, or shifting responsibilities. Adopting “go with the flow” habits reduces stress, improves energy and decision-making, strengthens relationships with colleagues and clients, and enhances leadership and mentoring capabilities.
Stay Motivated (Because Retirement Might Still Be a Ways Off)
Older workers can face slower wage growth and pay declines in later decades, which can sap motivation. Still, many people over 55 have 15 to 20 or more productive working years ahead. Some continue working into their 70s, 80s, or beyond—either by choice or necessity. Focus on long-term perspective: pursue work that keeps you engaged and leverages your strengths.
Stick to a Routine to Avoid Fatigue
If stress, fatigue, or low motivation are barriers, a structured daily routine can help. Start the day with mindfulness, a walk, or gentle yoga. Break projects into manageable steps, schedule regular breaks, and plan tasks the night before so your day feels less overwhelming. Small, consistent habits reduce burnout and boost productivity.
Keep Learning
Staying current with industry trends and new tools is vital. Lifelong learning keeps you relevant and confident. Today’s learning options are abundant: free and low-cost online courses, webinars, and short programs teach everything from leadership and marketing to new software and programming languages. Make ongoing, bite-sized learning part of your routine.
Consider Switching to a Part-Time Job
If full-time work is no longer ideal and your finances allow, consider reducing hours or exploring part-time roles. Options include job sharing, contract work, consulting, or temporary positions. Staggering consulting assignments can provide income while giving you extended downtime between projects.
Look After Your Physical Health
Your 50s and beyond are an important time to prioritize preventive care: routine checkups, screenings, and age-appropriate tests. Maintain a regular, moderate exercise plan—strength training is especially valuable as muscle mass declines with age. Regular eye exams and heart-healthy habits are essential for long-term workability and quality of life.
Stay Mentally Healthy and Happy, Too
Social connection supports mental health and cognitive function. Loneliness and isolation are linked to increased health risks, so keep social ties strong through friends, community groups, or workplace social events. Staying socially engaged can sharpen memory and communication skills, which pay dividends professionally.
Show Your Employer How to Become More Age-Friendly
Speak with managers about building an age-inclusive workplace. Suggest mentoring programs that facilitate knowledge transfer, or propose flexible work arrangements like telework, flexible schedules, and part-time roles. Helping design policies that support multigenerational teams benefits everyone.
Raise Awareness About Supporting Aging Staff With Health Issues
As Baby Boomers continue retiring and skills shortages grow, some employers are adapting by creating less demanding roles or part-time positions tailored to older workers. Sometimes age bias comes from simple unawareness—educating management about the needs of aging staff and reasonable accommodations can improve retention and inclusion.
Know How to Look for and Handle Ageism
Ageism can range from subtle assignment bias to overt exclusion from promotion opportunities. Protect yourself by staying up to date on industry practices and technology, and by maintaining a professional, positive presence. If discrimination occurs, document incidents and raise concerns with HR or seek legal advice if necessary.
Network With Other Workers Over 50
Connecting with peers who share similar career stages can provide practical support, perspective, and camaraderie. Peer groups—online or local—offer forums to discuss age-related workplace issues, explore opportunities, and expand social networks.
Have a Strong LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn remains a central platform for professional networking at any age. Craft a concise, compelling Summary that highlights achievements and expertise. Use a professional headshot and keep detailed work history to the past 10–15 years. Request recommendations from colleagues and supervisors to bolster credibility.
Use LinkedIn Regularly
Beyond building a profile, stay active: join discussions, share insights, post useful content, and expand your connections. Active engagement grows your network and increases visibility to recruiters and potential clients.
Keep Your Resume Current
Update your resume regularly—even when you’re not job hunting. Add new skills, certifications, promotions, awards, mentoring roles, or volunteer work. A current resume makes it easier to pursue unexpected opportunities.
Consider a Job or Career Change
If you’re unhappy at work, it’s never too late to explore new options. Midlife career changes are often motivated by the desire for lower stress, new challenges, or pursuing long-held interests. Careful planning and skills translation can make transitions successful.
Face the Fear
Job searches can take longer for older candidates, which may feel daunting, but many new roles and industries continue to emerge. Some companies are recognizing the value of experienced hires and actively recruiting older workers. Approach job hunting with persistence and openness to learning new skills.
Translate Your Skills to a Similar Job
Consider roles that leverage your existing skills in new settings: for example, a police officer transitioning to security consulting, an accountant becoming a financial advisor, or an engineer moving into technical writing. Translating skills lets you keep doing work you enjoy while changing context or pace.
Consider an Industry That Has Strong Job Growth
Switching to a growing industry can improve opportunities. Healthcare, eldercare, education, IT support, and consulting are examples of fields with ongoing demand for experienced workers. Acting as an expert consultant—either within your current industry or in a new field—can also be a viable path.
Age-Proof Your Resume
Age-proofing means presenting your experience in a modern, relevant way. Remove graduation dates, limit employment history to the past 10–15 years, keep your resume concise (one to two pages), and use a contemporary font. Focus on achievements and skills rather than total years of experience, and avoid phrases that can unintentionally signal age.
Use a Professional Resume Service
If you struggle to summarize your experience, a professional resume writer can craft a polished resume and LinkedIn profile that highlight your strengths. An objective writer can shape your story to appeal to current hiring trends and employer expectations.
Be Prepared to Handle Age Discrimination in an Interview
Prepare to emphasize your up-to-date skills and accomplishments in interviews. If inappropriate questions arise, redirect the conversation to your abilities, results, and fit for the role. Demonstrating current knowledge and enthusiasm helps counter age-based assumptions.
Focus on the Stats
There are encouraging trends: older workers often have unemployment rates below the national average, and the average time it takes for an older person to find a job has been improving. Long-term unemployment among older workers has also declined in recent years. These data points suggest the job market is slowly becoming more favorable for experienced hires.
Turn to Online Resources
There are many websites and government resources tailored to job seekers over 50. These platforms offer job listings, training recommendations, and career guidance designed for later-stage career planning and transitions.
Find Companies That Are Age-Friendly
If your current employer isn’t flexible or inclusive, look for organizations known for valuing experienced talent. Sectors such as government, education, non-profit, financial services, and some start-ups can be open to hiring older workers. Advocacy groups and employer lists can help identify age-friendly employers.
Know What Careers Are Best for Older Workers
Certain roles and fields are growing and commonly open to experienced professionals. Examples include management and operations roles, IT and technical support, health technicians and paramedics, financial specialists, marketing and communications, engineering, and other skilled professions where experience and judgment are highly valued.
Consider Using a Career Coach
A career coach can help you evaluate options, plan a transition, prepare for promotions or negotiations, and present your experience effectively. Coaches are especially helpful if you’re pursuing a move to a different company or career path.
Use Your Network
Tap the professional and personal relationships you’ve nurtured over the years. Networking remains one of the most effective ways to uncover opportunities—reach out to contacts, attend events, and ask for introductions or referrals.
Consider Setting Up Your Own Small Business
With accumulated skills and often fewer financial obligations, starting a small business, freelancing, or consulting can offer greater flexibility and control over your schedule. Turning a hobby or side income into a business can be a fulfilling next step.
Do Your Research
If you’re contemplating entrepreneurship or a major career move, take advantage of resources from advocacy groups, local mentorship programs, and online learning platforms. Research, planning, and targeted learning will help you make informed, confident decisions about the next chapter of your working life.