EPI's research highlights the needs of older workers during COVID-19.

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Friend,

EPI is conducting ground-breaking research that provides critical insights for policy makers on Capitol Hill and activists throughout the country fighting for a progressive economic agenda. EPI's latest research highlights how policy makers can address the needs of older workers who have been hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This work focuses on two critical points: that relief efforts need to do more to protect older workers in a coronavirus economic shutdown ([link removed]) , and older workers are at a higher risk of COVID-19 because they have a more difficult time working from home ([link removed]) .

Our research determined that nearly three-fourths of workers age 65 and older—or more than 5 million older workers—are unable to telecommute. That means that these workers, who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 because of their age, could be putting themselves at risk to earn a paycheck. In addition, many more workers—younger than age 65—will continue going to work and potentially risking the health of their family members who are older and may have other health conditions that make them more vulnerable.

Aside from health ramifications, older workers stand to take a substantial economic hit. Our research makes clear that older workers who lose their jobs face harsh consequences. They have less time to make up for lost earnings and savings before retirement. Many have trouble being hired and, as a result, retire before they’re ready. If they find new work, they’re often forced to accept pay cuts because some skills aren’t transferable and may be undervalued by prospective employers.

To help remedy this situation, older workers with inadequate health and safety protections who stop work due to the pandemic should be eligible for paid leave and unemployment benefits. The CARES Act makes some necessary changes to paid leave and unemployment insurance programs, but these reforms need to be made permanent or automatically extended as long as economic conditions warrant.

In addition to improving paid leave and unemployment benefits, EPI's research makes clear that work-sharing programs—which encourage employers to reduce hours rather than resort to layoffs—would especially help older workers.

Likewise, because older workers are more likely to be unemployed for long periods, have work-limiting disabilities, and live in areas of the country that were struggling even before the crisis, policies aimed at addressing these problems will especially benefit these workers ([link removed]) .

EPI is the only organization with a deep bench of economists analyzing the challenges facing older workers during the pandemic and providing solutions.

Support EPI’s critical research today to protect all working people and vulnerable communities at this time of need. ([link removed])

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In solidarity,

Elise Gould and Monique Morrissey
Economists, Economic Policy Institute
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