AARP Finds Age Discrimination Rampant in New York City for 50+

Roughly Half of 50+ Experienced or Witnessed Age Discrimination in the Workplace & on the Job Trail

  NEW YORK, New York – When someone over the age of 55 loses a job it takes them about 4 months longer than their younger counterparts to find another one – and even when they have a job, the scenario is far from rosy for many in New York City. According to a new  AARP survey of voters age 50+ in New York City, nearly 50% say they’ve experienced or witnessed some form of age discrimination in the workplace or on the job trail.

"New York City's 50+ are facing very serious issues related to their age in the workplace, that's a huge concern to AARP and it ought to be for candidates and elected officials in the city as well," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York.

46% of survey respondents said they were concerned about age discrimination at work, and based on the rest of the

survey findings, those concerns are valid. An alarming 48% said they either experienced or witnessed at least one of the following regarding themselves, a family member or a friend who has turned 50:

• 26% not been hired for a job because of age.
• 24% passed over for a raise or promotion due to age.
• 23% laid off, fired, or forced out of a job since turning 50.
• 27% encouraged or forced to retire before they preferred to.
• 23% subjected to unwelcome comments about their age.

Another startling statistic from the AARP survey, 50% of voters 50+ in the workforce in NYC said they will have to delay their retirement for financial reasons.

The issue is so prevalent; it will likely play a role in who the age group votes for in NYC. 75% are very or extremely likely to vote for the candidate who will work to ensure workplace opportunities for New Yorkers as they age and 72% said those elected should support laws, regulations and policies that support older workers.

AARP has been working to bring the issue to the attention of the Mayoral and City Council candidates in NYC, holding a series of debates, voter engagement efforts, and grassroots activities. AARP members are expected to account for half of all votes cast in the NYC General Elections. While AARP does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or political parties, the non-partisan membership organization does provide straight-forward information on the issues to 50-plus voters, the media and the general public.

The full AARP survey can be found online: http://bit.ly/1bu3cMU

 

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org .

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