Every unsuccessful job-seeker wants to know why they were passed over when someone else gets the position. Older Idahoans usually have a hunch what happened: Their gray hair could have been a factor. A recent survey by a Boise research firm found that older workers take significantly longer than younger people to find a job. Once they are unemployed, those 50 and older average 55 weeks without work, compared to 35 weeks for younger applicants. That was one of the findings in a nationwide survey conducted by GS Strategy Group at the request of AARP. “If Idahoans 50 and older are anything like their counterparts across the nation, we know age discrimination is likely something going through their minds when they receive a rejection letter to their job application,” said David Irwin, director of communications for AARP in Idaho/Steve Kadel, Twin Falls Times News. More here.

Question: What advantages/disadvantages does an older work bring to a job?