Policies to Improve Workforce Services for Older Americans

We propose seven relatively low-cost reforms that will improve the workforce services provided to older adults and can be implemented quickly. These proposals include:

1. Having specialized staff at job centers who understand older workers’ needs and who can serve them more effectively,
2. Experimenting with job placement programs specifically for older workers,
3. Promoting self-employment among older adults,
4. Providing targeted skills development for older workers,
5. Adopting separate program performance standards for older adults to eliminate disincentives for the provision of services to this population
6. Restoring funding to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP, a program that serves disadvantaged older adults), and
7. Evaluating the new programs and initiatives we recommend to ensure they have the intended effect.

Editor’s Note:

This report was produced in conjunction with the webinar, “Improving economic opportunity for older workers,” co-sponsored by Brookings and the Kellogg Public-Private Initiative.