AARP

“When we aren’t reflected in those stories… we all start to feel unseen and invisible, and people stop noticing us." Renowned actress Kathy Bates spoke about the importance of representation and fighting against ageism at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards. The awards honored stories that showcased themes of purpose, reinvention and showing up fully at every stage of life — ones that we can see ourselves reflected in. In a workplace that’s changing faster than ever, stories like these reinforce a simple truth: people don’t stop learning or contributing just because they’ve been around longer. In fact, the wisdom gained can lead to creativity and collaboration that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

Retirees who need extra income often turn to flexible part-time jobs. But finding the right fit isn’t always easy, especially if the job has education requirements. Check out these 15 jobs that don’t require a college degree.

We were pleased to speak on Capitol Hill today, discussing the challenges and contributions of older adults in the workforce. Age discrimination, retraining programs, and flexible work policies are critical issues that affect millions of Americans. Today’s conversation is an important step toward creating workplaces that value the experience and skills of workers of all ages.

What if retirement wasn’t an ending — but a renewal? After stepping away from demanding leadership roles in the nonprofit world, Bernice Bratter didn’t slow down or step aside. Instead, she joined forces with Helen Dennis, a nationally recognized expert on aging and retirement, to reimagine what the next chapter could be for women like themselves. They created Renewment, a growing movement that brings accomplished women together in small, peer‑led groups to set goals, share expertise and explore new ways to stay engaged and purposeful. What began in a Los Angeles living room has grown into dozens of groups across the country, and even internationally. Now, Bratter and Dennis are in the process of establishing Renewment as a nonprofit, so the model can reach even more people navigating this transition. They didn’t “exit” work. They redirected their experience, proving that motivation, relevance and impact don’t end with a job title. Read their story in the comments below.

What does a career comeback look like after 50? For America Arevalo, it meant starting over after everything fell apart. After years of helping others as a social worker, a career change didn’t work out — and she found herself unemployed, burning through her savings, and without stable housing. At her lowest point, she was moving from place to place and even sleeping in her car. With support from AARP Foundation’s BACK TO WORK 50+, America rebuilt her confidence and learned how to navigate today’s job market. Today, she’s a job coach at Youth Co-Op in Miami, using her lived experience to help other older workers restart their careers with practical tools — and hope.

At 28, America Arevalo left Venezuela and came to the U.S. with her daughters, determined to build a better life. She learned English and became a social worker to provide for her family. But when a career pivot caused her to face unemployment and even homelessness, she experienced how fragile stability can be. America found an amazing job and a newfound purpose as a coach for AARP Foundation’s BACK TO WORK 50+ program and uses her experience to help older adults looking for a job or career change. Discover how she transformed adversity into experience that now supports others in their career journeys. Learn more about the BACK TO WORK 50+ program at the link in the comments.

Reverend Cedric Alexander spent decades as a clergyman in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. When he retired in 2020, he waited a year before requesting his retirement funds. It was then that he learned the church had frozen his account after an embezzlement scheme cut employees’ retirement savings by 70%. Nearly $90 million of people’s contributions were gone. “My Holy Spirit said: Go find some legal representation,” Alexander recalls. In March 2022, law firm Kantor & Kantor filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of nearly 5,000 current and retired church employees, alleging the church violated federal law and fiduciary duties. A month later, AARP Foundation joined as co-counsel to help protect retirement security. “I’m grateful that AARP Foundation joined our fight,” Alexander says. “Everyone knows AARP fights to protect older Americans’ retirement security.” Find out how nearly $90 million in retirement savings is being reclaimed with AARP Foundation’s help at the link in the comments.

The workforce is rapidly changing, and employers must attract top talent across every age group. That includes workers 50 and older, who often worry their age could work against them when it comes to hiring and promotions. To help shift that mindset, AARP is launching the AARP Employer Alliance, an initiative designed to help companies recognize the value of a multigenerational workforce. Learn more about the program and how it helps businesses build opportunity for workers of all ages.

We’re excited to launch the AARP Employer Alliance, a program designed to help organizations harness the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. Work is changing faster than ever, and progress depends on how well we move forward together. The Employer Alliance provides tools, insights, and strategies to help companies unite generations and drive innovation, productivity, and growth. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6048hp55Q