The Cure for the Great Resignation: Hire Older Workers
A Yale psychology professor smashes myths on aging and the worth of older workers in her fascinating and uplifting new book, “Breaking the Age Code.”


A truly fascinating, just released book by psychology professor Becca Levy of Yale University shatters many of the basic – and completely wrong – assumptions that we have been told were gospel about aging as far back as most of us can recall.
“Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live,” provides answers to challenging questions facing both employers and America’s aging population itself.
Recently I chatted with Dr. Levy about the myths of getting older – how age impacts what we are able do. If you thought that the mere act of flipping pages on a calendar meant a decline in mental and intellectual health and that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” then step right up here for a doggy biscuit, because today’s story will dispel that belief.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For, as her book makes clear, “Thinking ourselves old is a self-fulfilling, dangerous prophecy.”
She is on a mission to convince an aging population to believe in themselves and realize that candles on a cake have no connection to reality, for the person blowing them out or their employer.
I asked her to list several of the more common myths about aging and their consequences for our society, the world of business, and each of us when we wake up one day with a wrinkle that wasn’t there before.
Myth No. 1: Your older workers are not as effective in the workplace. Reduce their job responsibilities.
Research shows: Both anecdotally and decades of research has shown that older workers take fewer days off for sickness and reflect a strong work ethic that rubs off on younger colleagues. From their employment experience – and life lessons – they often find effective shortcuts to accomplishing tasks more rapidly.
Also, for employers giving in to such a bias, it is an invitation for an age-discrimination lawsuit.
Myth No. 2: Older workers lack the ability to be creative.
Research shows: Creativity often increases in later life. Many artists, including Matisse, are credited with producing their most innovative work at an older age. Many writers will admit to finding their skills and their craft improving with age. The average age of 60 Minutes journalists was 71 in Mike Wallace and Andy Rooney’s day, and Lesley Stahl is still busily covering stories at age 80!
Successful startups are more likely to be run by entrepreneurs over 50 than under 30. Certain skills combined with creativity enable us, as we get older, to get better at problem solving on the job.
Having resolved conflicts across a lifetime keeps specific neurons active in making connections and better able to respond to new conflict situations which arise in every organization. The simple fact of aging and successfully managing real-world conflicts is a huge benefit to employers.
Myth No. 3: Older people in general don’t contribute to society and are selfish. On the job, they don’t help co-workers and only think of themselves.
Research shows: Older workers seek close, positive and productive relationships with co-workers. From a lifetime in a particular field, they are more able to see the potholes an employer needs to avoid.
Altruistic values were found to increase dramatically, while selfish behavior was uncommon. In general, older people engage in legacy thinking, wanting to help create a better world for their families, employers, friends and a true desire to benefit society.
Myth No. 4: Health is entirely determined by genetics and biology, and attitude plays no role.
Research shows: You may just shorten your own life span with this thinking! Studies show that only 25% of longevity is determined genetically. The other 75% is due to the influence of environment, psychological factors, personal beliefs and especially those about aging.
Culture in the form of age beliefs has a powerful influence on the health of older individuals. Holding positive age beliefs – including thinking that you are competent at what you tackle, creative and a good source of advice for family and friends – will greatly reduce the influence of propaganda that older people lose these abilities. Positive beliefs have a proven impact on cardiovascular health, mental and psychological well-being .
Myth No. 5: There is little to gained by hiring or training older employees in high tech, as you will be facing the “Old dog new tricks” frustration.
Research shows: The brain, instead of reaching a maximum leaning ability at around age 25 – the dogma of years ago – in fact is an organ capable of acquiring new skills at any age. Don’t allow flawed thinking to cheat yourself out of a real asset to your company.
Myth No. 6: Age doesn’t need to be included in diversity training programs.
Research shows: Failing to include age in your diversity strategy will be seen as a validation that older workers are worth less than younger workers. Surveys of employers in 78 countries showed that only 8% include age in diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Just think what they have lost!
Concluding our interview, Dr. Levy wants employers – from the mom and pop corner market to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies – to understand the reality facing America’s aging population.
“Not all people want to retire or will be financially able to. We know from decades of experiences that an active mind and body keep us healthy. Strengthening positive beliefs about age gives us a longer, more productive and happier life.”
I can’t think of a better gift for that CEO or spouse who looks in the mirror and sees their mom or dad, wondering what will life be like for me as I age? What can I do now to influence how I will be as those pages on the calendar flip by so quickly?
Breaking the Age Code will give you the answer.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, "You and the Law." Through his column, he offers readers in need of down-to-earth advice his help free of charge. "I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Stable as Inflation, Tariff Fears Ebb
Constructive trade war talks and improving consumer expectations are a healthy combination for financial markets.
-
What Trump’s 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Your Utility Bills
If passed, the 'Big Beautiful Bill' could make home energy upgrades more expensive and raise monthly costs. Here's how much more you might pay and how to prepare.
-
Eight Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones (and Your Legacy)
Two-thirds of Americans don't have an estate plan. If you're one of them, these are the essential steps to take now to prevent problems for your family later.
-
The Six Pros This Adviser Says You Need to Sell Your Business
Selling your business isn't as simple as getting the best price and walking away. These are the six professionals you'll need to get a deal across the finish line.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build Wealth
Consistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Solving Your Retirement Puzzle: Five Key Pieces
If retirement's a puzzle you're struggling with, try answering these five questions. The answers will guide you toward a solution.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?
If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
After the Disaster: An Expert's Guide to Deciding Whether to Rebuild or Relocate
Homeowners hit by disaster must weigh the emotional desire to rebuild against the financial realities of insurance coverage, unexpected costs and future risk.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and Friends
What starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.