Originally published in 2019. Updated in February 2026 by Samar Ismali.
Workers are remaining in the labour force longer today, either by choice or due to necessity. Some workers are choosing to pivot into new careers after leaving the workforce – taking on gig work or starting businesses, for instance – while others are delaying retirement. While there are increasing opportunities for older workers, many still face negative stereotypes from employers that can impede their job search or threaten their employment status. The following resources include research about older workers, strategies for job search and much more.
Reports
Employment by choice and necessity among Canadian-born and immigrant seniors (Statistics Canada)
Released in 2024 and using data from 2022, the findings in this Statistics Canada report examined Canadian-born and immigrant seniors aged 65 to 74 working by choice or necessity. Some of the key findings show that some groups of seniors with higher financial vulnerability, such as immigrants and women with no spouse, were more likely than others to work by necessity. Additionally, seniors who worked by necessity received lower wages and were more likely to hold jobs that required relatively little training, education and experience.
The Status of Senior Entrepreneurship in Canada: A Snapshot (Sheridan Centre for Elder Research)
This CERIC-funded study, released in 2018, found nearly four in 10 older entrepreneurs face gaps in the support they need to launch or develop their businesses. The top three reasons entrepreneurs surveyed started a business after 50 were:
- Interest in continuing to use their skills,
- Needing or wanting to generate a new source of income
- Wanting greater ownership and control of their work and lifestyle
Labour market resilience in the face of an aging population (LMIC)
The Labour Market Information Council says in this report the labour market needs to be prepared for labour and skills shortages for when the aging population eventually retires. As well, it shares how to identify the risk of retirement-induced labour shortages and how to minimize the impact.
OECD Employment Outlook 2025
The OECD Employment Outlook provides an annual assessment of key labour market developments and prospects in OECD member countries. This year’s report examines the challenges and consequences of an ageing population on labour markets, and an analysis of the policies that address these demographic changes.
Promoting the labour force participation of older Canadians (Statistics Canada)
As the aging population leaves the workplace and fewer younger Canadians fill shortages, there will be direct implications on Canada’s economy and labour market. This Statistics Canada report highlights initiatives that address specific challenges facing many older Canadians and describes how to promote their labour force participation.
Workplace disclosure decisions of older workers wanting to remain employed: a qualitative study of factors considered when contemplating revealing or concealing support needs (Institute for Work and Health)
This qualitative study examined workers aged 50 years and older through focus groups within the Greater Toronto Area. The findings highlight challenges experienced by older adults in remaining employed and the need for age-inclusive policies.
Guides, tip sheets and resource compilations
Careers at 50+: Job Search Resources for Older Workers (Monster)
Links to a series of articles geared toward mature workers on topics such as returning to work after retirement, overcoming ageism in the job search, boomeranging and part-time jobs for older workers.
Navigating Canada’s Evolving Labour Market: 4 LMIC Experts Share Insights, Challenges and Opportunities (CERIC)
The third webinar in this series, Labour Market Resilience in the Face of an Aging Population, explores the implications of Canada’s aging workforce. Viewers will learn how to identify high-risk occupations and regions using tools like the replacement ratio, and seeks to help career practitioners understand the risks and opportunities associated with Canada’s aging workforce.
Resources for Mature Workers (Government of Alberta)
This website contains articles, publications and other resources related to older workers, including a trackable guide with a variety of articles.
Supporting a shifting workforce: Preparing for the reality of an aging population (CERIC)
This CERIC article looks at the implications of Canada’s aging workforce and shares trackable and practical metrics to identify high-risk occupations and the regions most affected.
Tips for Mature Workers (WorkBC)
This brief article offers tips for mature workers looking for employment including how to prepare to look for work and how to learn effective job search strategies.
The Gig Economy for Boomers: the Ultimate Guide (Long Life, Fun Life)
This guide covers topics including defining gigs and the gig economy, how to decide on a type of gig, downsides of gig work and websites to explore.
Other resources
Literature searches
Literature search: Older workers and career development (CERIC)
Updated in April 2019, this literature search covers topics including: older workers retention; age discrimination; organizational support; retirement / working retirement; career satisfaction; and older women in the labour force.
Literature search: Generational conflict in the workplace (CERIC)
Updated in April 2019, this literature search covers topics including: Generation X, Y; older workers; values in the workplace; gender and age; Millennials; motivation and communication; Baby Boomers; and multigenerational workplaces.
Websites
Aging workers (Institute of Work and Health)
The Institute of Work and Health researches and explores the implications of aging on work ability, and the social policies and programs that allow aging workers to remain at work in a healthy and productive way. The website features include journal articles, speaker series, and tools and guides.
Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP)
This membership-based organization advocates for older Canadians. While it does not appear to directly work on employment issues, it does advocacy in areas that can intersect with work, such as pensions, poverty reduction and access to housing.
Career Professionals of Canada
Career Professionals of Canada (CPC) is a not-for-profit that supports career development practitioners across Canada. There are resources and articles specifically for supporting older Canadians in the workforce including How to Support Clients Age 60 Plus and Supporting Clients Facing Ageism: A Guide for Career Development Professionals.
Change Rangers
Change Rangers delivers research and advisory services related to the business and social aspects of aging demographics such as marketing to segments of a 50+ audience, opportunities, trends and changing concepts in a longevity economy.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Through the Older Workers initiative, SHRM Foundation empowers human resource professionals to recruit, retain, and support experienced talent with tools, research and strategies that help organizations embrace age diversity and create inclusive workplaces.
Top Employers for Canadians Over 40
This annual ranking highlights positive workplaces for older Canadians. Note that employers apply for consideration.
Other
Redirection: Work and Later Life Career Development Project (York University)
This free, 22-minute documentary is based on the results of a CERIC-funded study that examined the experiences of older workers (age 50 and older) in Canada as they sought out new employment through second or third careers. It also investigated the ways that career services practitioners work with older adults.
Additional Reading:
How to Support Clients Age 60 Plus (Career Professionals of Canada)
More older adults are working 25 for pay and retiring later (Vanier Institute)
Did we miss something? Leave a comment below or send us a note at careerwise@ceric.ca if you have information that can help make our article even better.
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Lindsay Purchase has a background in journalism, having worked previously as a digital editor and reporter. Lindsay is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Global Studies program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Food Security certificate program.
Lindsay Purchase has a background in journalism, having worked previously as a digital editor and reporter. Lindsay is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Global Studies program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Food Security certificate program.
