RESOURCES - Podcast - AARP - Deborah Russell

Agent of Change

By Lisa Raffo

Deborah Russell, Director of Workforce Issues for AARP.

Deborah Russell is no novice when it comes to advocating for workers over 50. She’s been doing it for nearly 20 years now. As Director of Workforce Issues for AARP, she has patiently and passionately been convincing employers of the value of mature workers and helping them implement policies and practices to take advantage of this crucial segment of the workforce. For example, her team is managing the innovative Workforce Assessment Tool for employers. She has also been developing programs to help employees gain the skills and confidence they need to pursue their career goals.

As RetirementJobs.com launches its new relationship with AARP, both organizations are eager to work together to change the very way America perceives mature workers and older individuals in general. We talked with Ms. Russell about some of the changes she has already helped institute and about some of the exciting ways AARP and RetirementJobs.com plan to work together to shape the workplace of the future.

Click on the icons below to hear excerpts from my interview with Deborah Russell.

	AARP recognizes the best employers for people over 50.			How can job seekers over 50 best prepare for their job search?
	AARP identifies national employers seeking to hire workers over 50.			What are the perceptions and misconceptions about workers over 50?
	AARP’s Workforce Assessment Tool helps employers identify potential labor shortages.			How open are employers to flexible work arrangements?
	Why AARP and RetirementJobs.com have teamed up.			Are workers over 50 tech-savvy?
	AARP and RetirementJobs.com have a shared mission.			Are older workers a cost burden to employers?
	Why do people want to work longer these days?			How does Ms. Russell envision the workplace of the future?
	Why are employers turning to workers over 50?

Lisa Raffo is Editorial Director of RetirementJobs.com and a popular freelance writer. Lisa has worked extensively in radio and television news. She was with CNN in New York and Washington as a writer, editor, producer and executive producer. She has also worked with CBS and Fox affiliates as well as Voice of America and MacNeil-Lehrer productions.