Finding Jobs A Struggle For Older Workers

Kirsten McIntyre, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Employers won't admit it, but the fact is that they often want younger workers.

The Labor Department recently reported unemployment among workers 55 and older is at its highest level since it began collecting data in 1948.

The AARP offers a work search program for older employees. Rosemary Isom, the program's director, said many clients aren't qualified for the jobs they want.

Learn more about AARP's work search program.

"The people we get in our program, we try to get them in computer classes because if you don't know a computer anymore, you can't even drive a truck. You can't even be a custodian," Isom said.

A lot of older workers have either been laid off or forced into retirement. They say they need money for food, medicine and even to pay for the grandchildren they're raising.

People interested in getting into the AARP work search program must show a financial need to qualify. Last year, the program helped more than 600 older Oklahomans find work.