More Older Upstate New Yorkers Are Working Longer

For many people across Upstate New York, retirement is looking different than it did a few years ago. Rising costs for groceries, housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses are forcing many older Americans to stay in the workforce longer than they wanted..

Rising Costs Are Delaying Retirement Plans

A survey from Resume.io found that many workers over age 50 are facing financial pressure while worrying about age discrimination when applying for jobs.They found that 66% of Americans age 50 and older say financial pressures have forced them to work longer than they originally planned.

Nearly half of those surveyed said they are looking for work because of rising expenses, while others said they need better pay or that their retirement income is not enough to cover their bills.

Many Older Workers Feel Judged Because of Their Age

The study found that nearly 90% of older job seekers believe age discrimination exists during the hiring process. More than 40% said they have been asked questions during interviews that seemed related to their age.

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Some were called "overqualified," while others said employers questioned their technology skills or asked about retirement plans. Some respondents felt employers assumed they were too old for the job before learning about their qualifications.

Some Job Seekers Feel Pressure to Look Younger

Half of the people surveyed said they have felt pressure to hide their age while looking for work. More than one-third said they avoid mentioning their age during the hiring process. Others said they removed older work experience from their resumes or updated their appearance before interviews to seem younger.

The Job Search Is Taking an Emotional Toll

57% of respondents said the process has affected their mental health. Many reported feelings of frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt. Some said they felt invisible because of their age.

Experience Still Has Value

Career experts say older workers bring years of knowledge, problem-solving skills, and real-world experience. As more Americans continue working into their 50s, 60s, and beyond, the survey highlights an important challenge facing many Upstate New York families: finding financial security while ensuring experience is valued, not overlooked.