Letter to the Boston Globe Editor

June 2001

Thank you for David Bushnell's excellent article on the experiences of mature workers and job seekers ("Some job seekers find age can be a barrier," 6/14/01).

According to Bushnell, some employers value older workers because they are "seasoned" and have a strong work ethic. What's more, research on older workers has indicated that they are judicious, loyal, committed, conscientious, and more patient with organizational transitions.

As the U.S. experiences a "graying" of the population and the workforce, it is high time for all of us -- researchers, employers, older and younger workers, and aging baby boomers -- to pay more attention to the strengths and assets of mature workers.

Anne E. Noonan, Ph.D.
Wellesley Centers for Women