The economic picture right now is bleak, jobs are scarce and the recession doesn't look like it is going to let up anything soon. The unemployment picture is bad for everyone, especially those who are trying to find work after the age of fifty.

Why is age such a barrier to employment? There are many myths about older workers that many employers have bought in to.

• Probably the greatest myth about older workers is that their health is a liability. There hasn't been any studies done that have proven this theory. In fact as people get older they tend to be more concerned about their health.
• They are unable to learn new skills. Just because someone is over the age of fifty doesn't mean that dementia suddenly sets in. Skills can be learned at any age. As a matter of fact older people are the fastest growing group to use the internet.
• Older workers wouldn't stay at a job as long as younger workers. When you are younger you tend to be less stable and more inclined to hop from one job to another, whereas the over fifty crowd tends to be more stable in their careers.
• Older workers will get hurt on the job more easily than their younger counterparts. Once again there is no evidence to support this claim.

And if you are over fifty and trying to find work there is one thing to keep in mind. Age discrimination is against the law. If you feel that you have been discriminated against go to you local labor board and file a complaint.

David Stillwagon blogs about Meniere's disease, Sleep disorders and employment for older workers. http://www.df-unemployed-and-over-fifty.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Stillwagon