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August 5, 2010

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Top Stories

Experts offer tips for older workers with younger bosses
More than 70% of older Americans intend to work past traditional retirement age, which will result in many older workers reporting to younger bosses. AARP Director of Workplace Issues Deborah Russell recommends that older workers remain open to training opportunities. She also noted that it is important for both younger and older workers to appreciate the skills that they bring to the workplace in terms of generational differences as well as abilities. CriticalMention.com (7/28)

Lack of computer experience creates roadblock for unemployed
Unemployed individuals with no computer skills are at a disadvantage as they search for jobs, experts say. In addition, older workers without computer skills are often perceived as being slow and unable to handle technology. Meanwhile, nonprofits and universities are offering classes in basic computer skills. MSNBC (7/29)

Industry & Workplace Trends

Column: Parents' risk gives children a chance at entrepreneurship
The economic downturn has left many young college graduates without employment prospects. Some parents have responded by financing businesses for their children, writes Sue Shellenbarger in the Wall Street Journal. She recently interviewed 10 parents who had purchased businesses for their children, some of whom are risking their life savings to give their children a chance at entrepreneurship. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/The Juggle blog (7/27)

Survey: Retirement concerns more younger workers
Many younger Americans are concerned that they are not saving enough to retire, according to a recent survey. A Tribune/WGN telephone poll across the six-county Chicago region found that about a third of young workers are not confident they will be able to fund a comfortable retirement. Meanwhile, some experts say that many people are not adequately saving to support themselves for the 20 to 30 years they will live past retirement. Chicago Tribune (8/1)

Column: Retraining programs need overhaul
Programs to retrain unemployed Americans may not ease the nation's unemployment rate or provide workers in the fields where they are most needed, writes James Ledbetter. He notes that retraining faces a number of obstacles, including the reluctance of men to enter fields traditionally dominated by women as well as the general unwillingness to relocate. The Washington Post/The Big Money (8/1)

5 tips for older job seekers
If you're an older job seeker, make sure you're technologically savvy and look fit and well-dressed so you won't be disregarded by employers as being behind the times, experts say. Also, stay focused on what you have to offer. "If you don't think your age is an asset, how can you make your employer believe it?" says Renae Perry, program director for Senior Source. The Dallas Morning News (free registration) (7/29)

AARP News

Retirement Made Simpler offers auto 401(k) tools to employers
Looking for practical tools to implement an automatic 401(k) plan? Retirement Made Simpler offers a step-by-step guide geared to small and medium-sized businesses. It includes tips on how to get started, the benefits of automatic 401(k)s, and examples of companies that have successfully made the switch. At the Retirement Made Simpler website, you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter with the latest news on automatic 401(k).
Retirement Made Simpler is a coalition formed by AARP, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Retirement Security Project. Learn more.

Learn more about AARP ->

Workforce Assessment Tool | Employer Resource Center | AARP Research

Law and Regulation

Few employers consider eliminating health benefits, survey finds
The economic downturn has prompted many employers to scrutinize their health care plans, but few are considering eliminating the benefit, according to a survey by Fidelity Investments. Just 20% of the employers responding to the survey said they are considering eliminating health insurance benefits. Workforce Online (7/29)

SmartQuote

The danger of censorship in cultural media increases in proportion to the degree to which one approaches the winning of a mass audience."

--James T. Farrell,
American novelist

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Editorial Team

Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide


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