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Overlooked & Underserved: The Crisis Facing America’s Older Workers. Mary Olsen Baker Transform 2010, MN Dept of Human Services 2010 Minnesota Financial Fitness Conference April 20, 2010. The Demographic Reality.
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Overlooked & Underserved: The Crisis Facing America’s Older Workers Mary Olsen Baker Transform 2010, MN Dept of Human Services 2010 Minnesota Financial Fitness Conference April 20, 2010
The Demographic Reality Minnesota’s population 65+ will grow from 620,000 in 2005 to 1.3 million in 2030
The Aging Workforce in Minnesota • Between 2000 and 2010, the number of workers age 45 to 64 • increased from 845,000 to over 1 million • from 31% to 38% of the total workforce • Between 2000 and 2010, the number of workers over age 65 • increased from 85,000 to 97,000 • from 10.1% to 10.6% of the total workforce • 35% of all workers 16 to 64 have a disability
Number of workers 45+ will rise steeply between 2010 and 2030
MN average annual labor force growth rate will slow dramatically in 2010
Why focus on Aging Workers? Minnesota’s labor force is aging • Median age rising from 36 to 46 • 75% of workers in 2030 are already in the labor force • Fewer younger workers will slow the growth of the prime age labor force
Recession Impact on 55+ Workers Unemployment Rates by AgeDecember 2007, December 2009, January 2010
Number Unemployed has Doubled Over the last decade number of unemployed • 55+ increased by 331% • 65+ increased by 235%
Workers’ Challenge • In the best of times, it takes up to three times as long for an job seeker 55+ to find employment • Important to continue to learn, acquire new skills and competencies that add value • Take charge of career/work life • Have a plan
Employers’ Challenge • Develop a more integrated strategy to employ aging workers, to include elements such as: • Flexible work arrangements (desired by all workers) • Provide skill-building training Opportunities • Rethink safety and ergonomics—accommodations • Wellness programs that support all workers including caregivers • Capturing knowledge before it is lost • Identifying and developing core competencies • Customizing compensation and benefits
Contact Information Mary Olsen Baker Planner, Transform 2010 Minnesota Department of Human Services 651-431-2568 Mary.olsen.baker@state.mn.us http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/2010