The City of Los Angeles has taken a bold step towards supporting its aging workforce with the launch of the AdvantAGE LA Plan, an initiative designed to improve employment, retention, and career advancement for older workers, as announced by Mayor Karen Bass. This plan, described as the first of its kind in the nation, reflects the city's progressive stance on tackling the challenges and opportunities presented by a demographic shift that sees nearly one-fourth of its population aged 55 and over.
Acting in collaboration with the Economic and Workforce Development Department, and with the help of AARP, Los Angeles is rolling out an all-encompassing strategy that includes an Age-Inclusive 101 training program for city employers, and the support of AARP’s Employer Pledge Program that aims to connect companies with seasoned professionals. As the Mayor emphasized in a statement obtained by mayor.lacity.gov, the city must provide opportunities for older adults to thrive in the workforce.
The AdvantAGE LA initiative is a response to the fast-growing segment of the labor force that is 50 years and older, as reported by the Pew Research Center. With the City and County of Los Angeles having previously launched the Purposeful Aging Los Angeles (PALA) initiative in 2016 geared towards making the region more age-friendly, this report builds on the work done under PALA, zeroing in on employment issues specific to individuals 55 and older.
Barriers such as ageism persist, affecting the career trajectories of many older workers, over half of whom experienced involuntary job separation, as evidenced in the AdvantAGE LA report. This suggests that companies may benefit from tapping into this demographic as they face labor shortages, the initiative is thus being positioned as not just a socially responsible move, but also a practical one for businesses, according to Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director. Workers aged 50-plus are set to constitute over a third of the workforce by 2030, which represents a boon for employers who appreciate the benefits of experience.
The plan focuses on a collaborative approach to break down stereotypes and promote the unique contributions of older adults in the workplace, which includes conducting labor market analysis, identifying the needs of older workers, and setting specific goals to improve their employment outcomes and enhance age-inclusive workplaces. According to Patricia Pérez, Workforce Development Board member and Chair of the AdvantAGE LA task force, asserting the city's commitment to valuing the experience older workers bring as Los Angeles strives to lead in age-inclusive employment practices.
With the report now accessible, community organizations, policymakers, and employers in Los Angeles are urged to join the city in this groundbreaking effort to foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce, ensuring that all workers, regardless of age, can share in the city's economic prosperity and innovation.
