AARP reports that age discrimination claims are on the rise. This is likely the result of our seeing the largest group of workers in history moving into the 45 to 69 age bracket. If one looks at California as an example by the year 2010 half of all of their workers will fall into the older workers category. In today’s economy none of us can afford to risk becoming a victim of this kind of prejudice.

Why is this phenomenon occurring? One of the main reasons is that this generation of seniors not only are healthier but also look and act younger making the media declare that ‘50 is the new 30’.  Another example for us is the comparison of when Jane Polley, then 39 was let go from the Today Show twenty years ago and the recent replacement of 49-year-old Katie Couric with Meredith Viera who is already 52-years-old. Even in show biz one only has to look at the best actress awards that were given out this year to see that three of the five best actresses pushing 60 were nominated for Oscars. In religion the new Pope, Pope Benedict, took over his role at 78.

Despite the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, that was instituted as a means of protecting working over 40, age discrimination still exists today with many older workers finding it takes longer to find full-time work compared to their younger counterparts. AARP reports that one such case of age discrimination involved an executive search firm that screened out anyone over 45-years-old. Another example involved a 44-year-old female who applied for a position at a University only to be told that she had too much experience and that they were looking for someone less seasoned. To counter this prejudice she removed her first job from resume and removed the dates of her other jobs which has at least given her a chance to get her foot into the door before being excluded due to age bias.

That being said not all doors are closed to older workers especially in areas such as medical care where experience has its advantages. Sue Schellenberger, of the Wall Street Journal, believes that “if any group can turn their age into an advantage it is this group of seniors.” She believes that this group of seniors has the education, sophistication and clout to demonstrate their worth to an organization, as well as, the courage to take on any company that attempts to practice age discrimination.

If you think that you have been victim of such bias you can contact your EEOC field office by calling: 1-800-669-6820 or go to www.eeoc.gov . Hang in there one and all because everyone of us can’t help but hear the biological clock ticking and know that if we have not yet faced some young wise cracker telling us we are too old to be of use the time may well be coming and we need to be prepared to put them in their place.

Tags: discrimination, ageism, age discrimination, eeoc, biological clock, economy, workplace, age bias, sue schellenberger, aarp, age discrimination act, 1967, older americans, jane polley, katie couric, meredith viera, today show