Older Women's Workforce Wisdom
May 2024
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the London School of Economics' eye-opening article, Women don’t have an expiry date in the workforce. Discover why older women are crucial for sustained economic growth, yet remain undervalued. With humor and stark realities, the piece explores the challenges they face, from gender pension gaps to workplace biases. A must-read for anyone curious about the intersection of age, gender, and workplace dynamics!
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Unlocking the Power of Experience
In today’s rapidly aging societies, understanding the role of older women in the workforce is crucial. As populations in countries like Japan, Italy, and Finland grow older, the economic and innovative contributions of this demographic cannot be overlooked. However, older women often face significant barriers, including gendered ageism and the gender pay gap, which hinder their career progression and financial security. These challenges are not only unfair but also economically detrimental as they lead to a loss of experienced talent. By exploring this topic, you can appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a thriving, equitable workplace that values skills and experience over age.
Speak like a Scholar

Gendered Ageism
Discrimination based on both gender and age, often affecting older women in the workplace.

Gender Pay Gap
The average difference in payment between men’s and women’s earnings, expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings.

Intersectionality
A framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege.

Talent Drain
The loss of skilled and experienced individuals from an organization or sector, which can negatively impact growth and innovation.

Pension Gap
The difference in pension savings at retirement age, often showing disparities between genders.

Reskilling and Upskilling
The process of learning new skills or enhancing existing skills to keep up with industry changes and advancements.
Independent Research Ideas

Exploring the Impact of Gendered Ageism on Career Progression
Investigate how biases against gender and age combine to affect career opportunities and progression, particularly for older women.

The Economic Effects of the Gender Pension Gap
Analyze how the pension gap affects the economy at large, considering factors like consumer spending and financial independence.

Cultural Perceptions of Aging Women Worldwide
Compare and contrast how different cultures view aging women and the impact these views have on their participation in the workforce.

Innovative Workplace Policies for Aging Workers
Study companies that have successfully implemented policies supporting older workers and analyze the benefits of such practices.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Older Workers
Examine how advancements in technology could help bridge the gap for older workers, focusing on tools for reskilling and maintaining workplace relevance.
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