More Seniors Work Beyond Retirement Age

CLEVELAND -- For many reasons, American workers are not leaving their jobs when they reach age 65, and as NewsChannel5's Paul Kiska reported, many employers say this is a good trend.

Most Americans are working well beyond the time when they can retire. It is projected by 2015, there will be nearly 32 million employees older than 55. In 2000, there were 18.4 million.

"A myth about older workers is they don't have the skills for today's society, and that is absolutely untrue," said Rachel Stehle, of the Senior Employment Center.

Employment statistics show Americans age 55 and older take fewer sick days and are more loyal to their employer than those in their 30s.

"I think we're sort of forgotten about and people sometimes want younger people, but we can do the job," said senior worker Pat Kerns.

"From my point of view, I think we're preferred," said Lester Herschman, a senior worker.

There is also a market for recruiters who specialize in finding jobs for senior employees. These recruiters provide services such as resume help, doing mock interviews and networking sessions.

"It has done so much to help me -- job searching, attitude and support," said Ann L. Drake.