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American demographics indicate that a large and growing segment of our population is between the ages 50 to 75. For these individuals, social security is unlikely to provide an adequate income and the age to access this benefit is continually being raised. There is also a large segment of the American population over 50 which wish to continue working regardless of their financial condition. This group has a need for resources and a political voice. NAWS™ was created to meet this growing demand.
Founded in 2004 by a senior business entrepreneur, Mr. Steve Bridge, NAWS™ actively represents working seniors in a multitude of issues. Two thirds of our members will be working seniors, either full or part-time, while the other third will be retired but considering reentering the work force. Nearly a quarter of our members will be under the age of 60; those ages 60 - 74 will comprise the majority, with approximately 15 percent 75 and older.
NAWS addresses the trend of our workforce ageing, accessibility challenges and disabling conditions will escalate, increasing the need for employers to find ways to accommodate people with disabilities and age-related impairments. Changes in vision, hearing and manual dexterity will directly affect aging workers’ ability to use computing devices and the Internet, tools that have become fixtures in today’s economy.
NAWS focuses on the demographic sea change created by the aging workforce, the growing number of workers aged 40 or older (currently more than 69 million[1]), representing 48 percent of the total U.S. workforce. This trend sets up two distinct, but closely related, challenges for U.S. employers and advertisers.
As the first wave of the baby boomers retire, certain industries and occupations will find the replacement pool of new and younger workers inadequate, just as schools saw their enrollments swell and then decline sharply as the baby boom generation moved from childhood to adulthood. Finding new ways to retain older workers will be essential for many businesses. At the same time, improved health and increased longevity will make it possible, and often necessary, for a record number of workers to continue working past the traditional retirement age.
Government, the private sector and nonprofit organizations must prepare for the impact this demographic tidal wave will have on the future makeup of the workforce. Businesses need to institute training policies and accommodations to ensure maximum productivity in the workforce. This includes retooling their strategies for hiring, employee development, retention and transitions to attract and retain high-contributing employees, regardless of age. It also means ensuring that the workplace adapts to the ongoing physiological changes occurring in the workforce.
Proactively implementing accessible technology makes it clear that employability is not a function of age or physical abilities but of the employee’s ability to contribute to business objectives. Planning for this inevitable population shift and recognizing the importance of the aging workforce will help employers achieve maximum productivity and commerce.
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Detailed Demographics
NAWS is comprised of individuals with the following charecteristics:
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Age |
% |
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25-45 |
5% |
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45-55 |
15% |
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55-65 |
45% |
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65-75 |
25% |
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75+ |
10% |
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Female |
35% |
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Male |
65% | Summary
Regardless of what our members do, through NAWS they find the resources and strength to help them make their own choices, achieve their goals and dreams, and make the most of their careers after age 50. Our vision is to excel as a dynamic presence in every community by shaping and enriching the experience of working seniors.
We strive to live the motto that Steve gave the Association, "Quality Lives & Careers for Quality People." We serve our members and the community by being a resource for quality information and education, through legislative, legal and consumer advocacy at the national, state and local levels and by providing opportunities for employment and economic networking.
To bring the vision to life, we focus our efforts and resources on:
- Economic Security and Employment Opportunity
- Fairness in the Work place
- Education
- Personal Enrichment
- Health and Enjoyment
- In Business
We put the experience of older individuals to work, making businesses more competitive.
- In Promoting Individual Self-Worth
We promote the ability of seniors to be independent and self-fulfilled by giving them options on health, career and community involvement.
- In Enhancing the National Economy
We have a positive impact on the national economy by retraining and applying the significant talents of this group the economic engine of our nation is improved.
- In Improving the Lives of Others
Our charitable arm, the Aging Connection™ provides support to seniors through support facilities and job retraining opportunities.
- Through Advocacy
We increase awareness of older worker issues and build support for policies that are responsive to the needs of our aging and skilled workforce.
- Through Education
We cultivate an environment for senior workers and employers that is based on equal opportunity and acknowledgement of the value of their wisdom and experience.
Much of this information was taken from, “The Convergence of the Aging Workforce And Accessible Technology” by Ellen Mosner, Craig Spiezle, Founder, and Jim Emerman.
For a copy of the full report download here. |
