Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are collaborating with the federal Department of Labor to observe National Employ Older Workers Week. This event aims to honor older adults for their contributions to the workforce.

This year's theme, "Embracing Experience and Empowering Futures," focuses on exploring diverse aging experiences and addressing stereotypes about older workers. As Michigan's older adult population grows, the number of individuals working past age 55 has reached a historic high.

"Older adults make up nearly one quarter of Michigan's population, and their lived experience, skills, and knowledge can and should be leveraged to enhance Michigan's workforce," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director.

"Michigan's economic landscape is continuously evolving, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is committed to supporting older workers and their employers to help all Michiganders have a better quality of life for themselves and their families," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. "We thank older workers for their dedication and valuable contributions to our workforce, communities, and the overall prosperity of our state for generations to come."

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2021 and 2031, the number of workers aged 55 years or older will increase by about 10.2% to almost 41.5 million workers nationwide. With an estimated 10,000 adults turning 65 every day, retaining and recruiting older workers will become increasingly important in addressing labor shortages.

National Employ Older Workers Week also highlights the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to individuals aged 55 or older with limited financial resources. Since its inception, SCSEP has helped more than one million older Americans enter the workforce.

Communities, businesses, and employers can celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week by spreading awareness about the benefits of employing older workers through professional networks. Social media users are encouraged to share stories using hashtags such as #SCSEP, #olderworkers or #nationalemployolderworkersweek. Additionally, promoting local area agencies on aging and MichiganWorks! as experts in aging services can provide further support.

For more information on aging services in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/BPHASA.