How does age affect the retraining process for displaced workers?

Adaptability and Learning Styles: Age can influence how quickly and easily individuals adapt to new technologies and learning methods. Older workers may benefit from tailored training programs that accommodate different learning styles and paces, ensuring they gain confidence and competence in new skills. Leveraging Experience: While younger workers may quickly grasp new concepts, older workers bring valuable experience and a deep understanding of industry dynamics. Effective retraining programs should integrate this experience, allowing displaced workers to apply their knowledge in new roles and remain competitive in the job market.

Los sabios definieron la inteligencia humana como "Capacidad de adaptación". Pienso que esas capacidades se adquieren con la experiencia vivida a lo largo de la trayectoria vital de diferentes adaptaciones, por lo que pienso que en los mayores interesados en proseguir su labor tienen mayor facilidad e incentivos internos para lograr el aprendizaje para una rápida y sencilla adaptación. En mi opinión, tienen la gran ventaja de dominar conceptos lógicos que los jóvenes aún deben aprender.

I’ve found younger workers may adapt to new tech more quickly but, often fail to have the depth of understanding of many of the developments older employees may be able to capitalize on in the long run. As an experienced consumer and worker, life education may add more than most people think.

Firstly we need to leave our own bias at the door. Age does not define us - we do. Start with the premise that you can learn! Be clear on your why - why do you need to learn this, for what purpose - this enables you be clear in your learning goal. There are plenty of examples of older people who successfully started new businesses & succeeded. A recent study has shown the importance of context as you get older v the shiny new tool. To that end, be open to different types of learning paths and chose the one that suits you whether it is self learning, learning in practice/experiential learning or learning with a coach/buddy. The main thing is to set yourself goals based on where you are and put the supports in place you need to get there

Las expectativas laborales y la motivación para reinventarse profesionalmente pueden variar según la edad. Es muy importante tener en cuenta esto, para dise?ar estrategias efectivas de reconversión que se ajusten a la necesidad y meta de la persona en diferentes etapas de su vida laboral. Sus capacidades y abhilidades se han desarrollado en un área específica - por lo tanto - el, cómo transferir a otras áreas también requiere un plan. Adaptarse podría ser una barrera más compleja ya que podría ser la clave para este proceso.

Age does not define us you do. Your learning style is about how you process and think cognitively. With 5 generations at work, its about finding ways to ensure everyone thrives. There may be preferred styles in the organisation which you need to embrace. Consider how you can augment those practices to enable you embed it into your day e.g. find a buddy or coach who is known to be great at that area. Alternatively find a mentor - of any age- and use that relationship to help you embed the skills into situations.

A sua extensa experiência pode oferecer uma perspectiva única e valiosa em qualquer ambiente de trabalho. As habilidades adquiridas ao longo dos anos, como resolu??o de problemas, lideran?a e comunica??o, s?o altamente transferíveis e sempre procurados. O retreinamento pode também ser uma oportunidade para expandir a sua rede profissional, conectando-se com colegas de diferentes gera??es e áreas de atua??o. Abra?ar a aprendizagem contínua n?o só mantém a sua mente ativa como também demonstra adaptabilidade e compromisso com o crescimento pessoal e profissional. Portanto, encare o retreinamento como uma evolu??o natural da sua carreira, onde o seu histórico se torna a base sólida para novas conquistas.

Age dynamics play a crucial role in the retraining journey for displaced workers. Younger individuals often adapt swiftly to new technologies, yet older workers bring invaluable experience. As we age, practical, hands-on training may prove more effective than purely academic approaches. Tailoring retraining to suit our learning styles is key; for instance, structured, mentorship-based programs can be ideal. Our career goals evolve, so it's vital to choose retraining aligned with current aspirations—prioritizing balance, security, and purpose. This approach ensures our skills meet industry demands while fulfilling personal objectives.

Choosing a retraining goal that works in tandem with your experience is a bonus. When you are able to train in a related or cross working field you will bring a plethora of added benefits to an employer’s table.

Your starting point is about how well you have adapted across your life regardless of your age. You have previously had multiple examples doing new things, different types of work, working with different people. So there is no reason why you cannot learn new things. At present there is a heavy focus on AI and the need to acquire AI Skills so if you are thinking about this - yes you can learn too- A recent study from education startup Multiverse suggests that AI isn't just a useful learning tool for gen Z and millennials. "The digital apprenticeships company – founded in London in 2016 by Euan Blair – told LinkedIn News that those over the age of 40 have been the fastest adopters of an AI coaching tool that it launched in November'23.

Never stop learning and keep in touch with trends by collaborating with people of a variety of ages. Volunteering can help you keep current and add some work experience. Talk with people in your community at large events. Do not limit yourself to one news source. Watch or read from points of view that are like yours and differ from yours. Broaden your horizons.

Focus on your skills and ability your age. Like other identities age is a characteristic you cannot change. Reframe your experience from the perspective of skills & impact. Follow the industry press, key speakers within them. If you are a member of a professional body use that network to talk to others, meet up, attend in person/virtual events. Remember many industries have sub verticals so there are options within as well as moving industries-your skills are transferable! Look at what are core skills, v emerging in industries or sub industries - seek out learning paths via linkedin, udemy, professional bodies, colleges etc. Leverage people in your network that may be able to act as a coach to you to improve/enhance & grow your skills

Age is a characteristic you cannot change. To that end, avoid falling into the trap of believing you cannot be! There are lots of great examples of older people that have set up businesses, transitioned into new areas so don't be put off. Yes you can! Theres wonderful inspiration available "Successful Late Bloomers by JM Orend" is a great motivational read. Seek out support networks that can help you transition into new areas professional bodies, NGOs/charities such as 55 Redefined, AARF , U3A (University of the third age) or check out Eventbrite or meet ups for groups near you.