Boomers are worried about being “aged out” at work

A new survey has revealed mounting anxiety among Baby Boomers about ageism and its impact on their careers.

Conducted between August 1 and 7 by Talker Research, the survey collected responses from 2,000 employed Americans, asking them about their feelings about their work.

The findings are stark: 37 percent of baby boomers, aged 58 to 76, worry about being “aged out” of their roles as they grow older. Another 36 percent fear their ability to stay productive could wane with age, while nearly 42 percent expressed concerns that physical mobility or health problems might hinder their job performance.

The Evolution of Business

“Ageism can be a problem for people in the workforce and is dependent on specific scenarios,” Michelle Enjoli, a career coach and leadership speaker, told Newsweek.

“The most common case I see with ageism is when an employee is affected due to the evolution of an industry or business. These changes often require a different set of skills or experience the employee may no longer be qualified for,” she said.

While baby boomers have long been a dominant force in the labor market, the generational landscape has shifted. As of August, millennials have overtaken boomers as the largest cohort in the workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Millennials, aged 25 to 44, now account for approximately 74.8 million workers, compared with 39 million baby boomers.

Members of Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, make up 33.2 million workers, while the youngest generation, Generation Z, has just over 21 million.

Boomers are not alone in their concerns about aging on the job. Gen X shares similar worries, with 50 percent of respondents from this group reporting fears of being overburdened with work as they age. Additionally, 38 percent of Gen X respondents are concerned about balancing productivity with their health as they get older.

Millennials, on the other hand, appear more confident about their workplace prospects. Only 17 percent of this cohort say they are “very worried” about how aging might affect their careers. This generation’s emphasis on work-life balance, coupled with more flexible career paths, may explain their relatively optimistic outlook.

Meanwhile, Gen Z—those born after 1997—show the least concern about age-related job issues. Only 12 percent of the youngest respondents expressed being “very worried” about how aging could affect their careers, which is likely due to their early stage of professional development.

Staying Relevant in Your Industry

As the American workforce continues to evolve, experts like Enjoli emphasize the importance of addressing the concerns of older workers, especially as industries shift and new technologies emerge. She offers practical advice for employees who fear being left behind.

“I recommend older employees build a valuable personal brand through consistent upskilling and networking. In an ever-changing business environment, it is critical to allocate time for staying relevant in your industry,” she said.

She also advises staying ahead of industry trends through both online and offline education, noting that learning opportunities are now more accessible than ever.

“Another important step is building and maintaining relationships with others,” Enjoli said. “Having a strong professional network allows you to showcase your value and experience, which is essential in demonstrating your continued relevance and capability.”

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 employed Americans (at least 500 of whom are menopausal women). The survey was commissioned by Intimina and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August 1 and 7.