Older Workers: Myths, Evidence and Implications for Australian Managers

Abstract

This paper addresses the research evidence for a number of negative stereotypes about older workers and finds that those relating to avoidable absence,actual performance, memory, intelligence, ability to fit in, and job satisfactionare not supported. The evidence shows that despite the research, decisionsbased on age continue to be made in employment. To deal with this issue inAustralia, legislation on age discrimination has recently been introduced. Theconsequences for management practice are significant. The impact in keyareas such as human resource planning, recruitment, selection, performanceappraisals, training, job design and termination are discussed.