This paper explains the history of the grassroots youth service movement, and the lessons boomer service can learn from the creation of the Commission on National and Community Service and programs like Americorps.

As millions of baby boomers begin to retire, our federal government, the nation’s largest employer, will be especially hard hit. One solution is to look toward other retiring boomers to fill these positions– a win-win situation for older Americans, who would find meaningful opportunities to use their talents and experience, and for the federal government, which would gain highly skilled talent to help solve our nation’s most pressing problems.

A transcript of the testimony of Max Stier, President and CEO,
Partnership for Public Service on the federal government hiring Older Americans who want to continue working win by finding meaningful opportunities to use their skills and give back to their country.

Highlights key facts from the full report, including information about the growth in new jobs and opportunities in the health care system for older workers seeking encore careers.

These graphs and tables report unemployment rates for older adults and how they have varied by age, sex, race, and education since 2007.

Discusses four key reasons why older Americans should consider working for the federal government.

This paper explores the supply and demand for older workers and looks at some proposals to help increase the labor force participation of this group. The paper discusses impediments for employers to hire older workers, and how social security can be used to increase the demand for older workers.

Taking a look at what is known about the labor supply of older men, this paper describes the recent turnaround in the labor force activity of older people and the changes in Social Security and pensions that likely led to that reversal. Additionally, the paper explains challenges facing older workers, and gives policy recommendations on how governments can support continued employment.

Survey results reveal that volunteering is becoming more personal and secular, meaning that Mid-life and older Americans are less likely to join organizations. However, survey findings also reveal an increase in informal volunteering, with individuals much more likely to volunteer by themselves than in previous years.

Taking a look at Gibson’s theory of a “citizen centered” approach for civic engagement, this report gives ideas on how to booster citizen-centered approaches to civic engagement, including institutions offering volunteer opportunities, reaching out to younger generations, and using technology to connect volunteers and opportunities.