Who cares about an aging workforce? Older workers sure do! But what about employers, unions, lawmakers, policymakers, educational institutions, funders and human service agencies? Who speaks for America’s nine million workers age 65 and better, and the millions more that are ages 50 to 65? Who is their champion?

Leaders from the Washington, DC roundtable of ASA (American Society on Aging) invite you to a spirited conversation about the rapidly aging workforce. Those leaders represent three of  the nation's preeminent aging and workforce focused organizations that are creating a better public understanding of older adults' needs and contributions to society—and subsequently to improve the lives of all people as they age. Roundtable representatives are ASA, Jewish Council for the Aging, AARP Foundation, and Jobs for the Future.

On September 27, David Gamse (CEO of the Jewish Council for the Aging and a Board Member of WorkSource Montgomery), Kathy Mannes, (Vice President of Building Economic Opportunity Group at Jobs for the Future, )and Emily Allen, (Senior Vice President, Foundation Programs and Vice President, Income Impact with AARP Foundation) will present timely information about aging workforce demographics, programs, achievements and challenges. Barbara Hoenig, Chair of the ASA Washington, DC Roundtable, will welcome you and facilitate the discussion. Barbara is also Senior Consultant on Mature Workers and Workforce Initiatives for CVS Health, and Chair of the ASA Business Forum on Aging.

Key issues for discussion include:

 -  Age stereotyping. Employers, the media and sometimes older workers themselves tend to portray older workers as technophobes that are stodgy, staid and stuck. Is that accurate? If so, how do we help older workers become more employable? If not, how do we shatter age-limiting stereotypes?

 -  Aging workforce demographics

 -  Obstacles. Roadblocks abound and may include transportation challenges, eldercare responsibilities, physical limitations, ignorance about effective job-search strategies, and more – much more. Whose job is it in Greater Washington to surmount these and other obstacles? From whence does program funding come?

 -  Best practices. Which public and private programs work well and by what standards? How do we build upon success?

All ASA members and individuals interested in ASA membership are welcome at this event.

REGISTER TODAY! Registration is free, but is required. Please log in if you have a record with ASA or complete the application form if you have no record. For assistance, contact Jutka Mandoki at jmandoki@asaging.org.

Thanks to CVS Health for their support of this event.