A new survey from resume building platform Resume Now finds that older workers are not just keeping up with today’s workforce demands, they’re investing in their own growth, often out of pocket. The Silver-Collar Growth Report, based on nearly 900 American workers over age fifty, shows that 90% have taken training in the past two years to stay current at work, and more than half (51%) have personally paid for it.
Despite ongoing age-related bias in the workplace, the findings reveal that most older professionals remain engaged, committed, and determined to master evolving tools and expectations. Yet many report feeling constant pressure to keep pace with technology and say greater access to remote or hybrid roles would help them remain in the workforce longer.
Key Findings:
- Older workers are actively investing in themselves: 90% have taken training to stay current at work in the past two years, with over half (51%) paying for it out of pocket.
- Technology pressure is constant: 59% feel they must continually keep up with new tools and digital skills to stay relevant.
- Flexibility could extend careers: 56% say flexible hours and 49% say remote or hybrid work would encourage them to stay in the workforce longer.
- Physical demands are a barrier: 30% want less physically demanding roles to continue working.
- Work still matters deeply: 91% say their work is meaningful, and 89% tie their career closely to their identity.
Older, Smarter, and Still Adapting
Contrary to outdated stereotypes, older workers are not resistant to change. With 59% feeling constant pressure to keep up with new technologies, they are proactively investing in themselves.
- 90% have pursued training in the past two years to stay current at work
- 51% paid for this training themselves
- 39% said the training was employer-paid
Ready to Work If Conditions Improve
When asked what would make them more likely to stay in the workforce longer, older workers had clear answers.
- 56% want flexible work hours
- 49% say remote or hybrid options would help
- 30% want less physically demanding roles
This data suggests that most older workers are not looking to leave. They are looking for modern policies that make work sustainable and rewarding.
Deep Career Commitment
Older workers are still finding meaning in their work. Many view their jobs as an extension of who they are.
- 91% say their work is still meaningful
- 89% say their career is part of their identity
They are not just showing up. They care deeply about staying engaged and making an impact.
“The story here is not about resistance to change,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “It is about resilience. Older professionals are adapting quickly, and many are doing it with limited support. Employers who want to retain experienced workers need to focus on flexibility, relevance, and real inclusion.”
The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 878 American workers over the age of 50 on July 20, 2025. Participants were asked about their experiences with age discrimination, relationships with younger colleagues, perceptions of workplace value, and attitudes toward career identity and fulfillment. Participants responded to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers. Of the 878 respondents, 188 identified as female and 688 as male. In terms of age, 599 were between the ages of 50 and 59, 271 were between 60 and 69, 5 were between 70 and 79, and 1 was 80 or older.
Photo credit: Ivanko_Brnjakovic/iStock
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
Tags: older workers, Payroll, seniors, upskilling, workers
