Are Older Workers the Key to AI Adoption?
New research found that – contrary to popular assumptions – midcareer and mature workers can be an asset in the successful rollout of AI tools. Generation, a global workforce nonprofit, identified a group of older “power users” who are significantly ahead of the curve in effectively implementing AI. Why have these individuals been successful? According to Generation, adoption requires not only technological expertise, but the ability to align AI with human values and knowledge, the latter being a strength of experienced employees. The organization further suggests that pairing younger and older workers would make an effective, intergenerational dream team, with the greatest likelihood of constructively deploying AI. Read more about the findings in Harvard Business Review.
Your Age Could Be Your Edge
Katerina Stroponiati is a venture capitalist with a unique approach to investing. Her singular - and contrarian - criterion for funding early-stage tech companies? Founders must be at least 50 years old. Stroponiati believes that wisdom, experience, connections, and credibility – characteristics most often associated with older professionals – are the intangibles critical to successful launches. Read more about her Brilliant Minds fund, and key research that supports her approach.
Golden Roadies
While the music industry may skew young, there’s one sector of the profession that’s a surprising exception. Many of the industry’s most valued roadies, including equipment and sound technicians, are well into their golden years (despite the long hours and physical demands.) Read about how some of music’s most legendary artists depend on these experienced employees to keep them rocking and rolling all night.
Encore Network Explores the Year Ahead for Older Workers
The Encore Network presents “Trendspotting: The Outlook for Older Workers in 2025,” a virtual program to be held January 15th from 9-10am PST. Join a panel of experts to learn about the trends, issues, and innovations impacting the economic landscape and job market for older adults. Follow the link below to Encore Network for more details.
Older Actors and Creators Win Big at Golden Globes
More than a third of the awards given out at the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5, went to individuals over the age of 50.
The oldest to bring home an award: Jean Smart, 73, known as the sassy and savvy Deborah Vance in Hacks, won for Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy.
Demi Moore, 62, who spoke of the double challenge of aging as female, won for Best Actress, Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for her role in The Substance. In her acceptance speech, Moore talked of having been “doing this” for more than 45 years without winning anything. She also talked about a producer telling her 30 years ago that she was “a popcorn actress,” a comment that she says corroded her over time, leading to a crisis in confidence that nearly convinced her to put herself out to pasture a few years ago. Until a certain script found her. Follow the link below to hear her acceptance speech.
The Brilliance of Jean Smart
All hail Jean Smart. At the 2024 Emmys, the inimitable and talented, and sexy 73-year-old Smart won “Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” for her role as the inimitable, talented, and sexy 70-something-year-old Deborah Vance on “Hacks.” In the third season of the show, Vance pursues her dream job—host of a late-night talk show, and Variety writes, “This sets up an astoundingly rare situation for a television comedy – a female character over 70 aggressively and strategically going after a traditionally male-identified and very public position.”
A Horror Movie About Ageism in the Workplace–And No, It’s Not a Documentary
A new movie focused on ageism in the workplace melds sci-fi and horror as protagonist Demi Moore pursues cloning science to create a younger and more perfect version of herself. Covered by The Hollywood Reporter, the film also stars Randy Quaid and is directed by Cannes Award-winner Coralie Fargeat.
Retiring the Notion of Retirement
“The Unstoppables” is a New York Times series on prominent creative people over the age of 75 who continue to pursue excellence. Read what Giorgio Armani, Paul Theroux, Lauren Hutton, and others have to say about what inspires them to work at an age when others are content with gardening and golf.
Success Has No Age Limit
Forbes recently released its 2023 "50 Over 50" list, sharing inspiring stories of women who have made significant strides, personally and professionally, later in life.