More and more Minnesotans are working later in life. Over 70% of Minnesotans ages 55 to 64 are employed, and the over-55 workforce holds more than 20% of all jobs in Minnesota. There are several reasons for this. Two of the big ones: people are living longer and healthier lives and many people need to work into their 60s or 70s for financial reasons.

This is a growing trend: The state’s labor force that is 55 years and older increased by more than 80,000 people over the last decade, due to the many people in the massive baby boom generation who continue to work. Labor force participation rates for the oldest workers increased about 1.5% over the past 10 years. 

Unfortunately, when people over 55 lose their jobs, it can be much harder to find a new position that’s comparable in pay, benefits and professional fulfillment. Despite decades of research finding that age does not predict ability or performance, 30% of U.S. workers say they have felt unfairly treated due to their age at some point in their career, according to recent research.

Some responses to a January 2026 survey of CareerForce staff and partners back up the national research showing older workers face barriers to employment.  Responses also reveal that more older Minnesotans may be seeking to remain in or reenter the workforce. Here’s what some staff who serve Minnesota job seekers had to say:

“I have an increased number of job seekers over 50 that feel they are doomed and unable to find work (some looking over one year) and feeling hopeless that they are being replaced by young adults. We have also had multiple job seekers between 70-92 seeking work because Social Security income no longer helps them get through the month.”

“Many older adults need employment because Social Security benefits are no longer keeping up with rising living costs and the increasing price of basic necessities. They struggle with modern technology, and face challenges of navigating online applications, submitting digital resumes, and completing online onboarding processes. Also, many of the jobs currently available aren’t well‑suited to older adults. Jobs that require heavy physical labor, fast-paced environments, or constant digital interaction can be difficult for them.”

“Many of my job seekers in the last year are 55+ years of age.  I have spoken to job seekers in their 70's saying they need a pt job to supplement (their income) and are struggling to find these (jobs).”

“My job-seeking clients most often indicate that their age (over 50) significantly impacts their ability to even be considered for a role. There is a big shock when they realize they need to learn an entirely new system of tailoring resumes and completing and keeping track of online applications. Many of these clients are so overwhelmed by this that it delays their ability to even begin job searching. Additionally, many clients only had access to computers that would allow them to craft a resume or apply for a job through their employer, so even accessing the digital world becomes another barrier to employment.”

If you are over age 55 and looking for work, there are several CareerForce resources specifically designed to help you improve your chances of landing a position that matches your experience and skills:

• Visit this page on CareerForce.MN.gov dedicated to resources for job seekers 55 and older
• View functional resume samples
• Watch a recording of a Creative Job Search session for older workers
• Read the Creative Job Search chapter about finding employment after 55

With help from CareerForce, you can update your resume to highlight your skills and experience and remove content that could make finding work more difficult. You can also prepare for a successful job search with tips on navigating online applications, getting past applicant tracking systems that may be filtering you out and learning how to network both in person and digitally. CareerForce can also help you interview confidently to showcase the value you can bring to a prospective employer’s team.

"Working with the older employee can include helping them to recognize their skills and as a result provide a confidence boost. Truth is the older worker paid a high price for the wisdom they have and in turn they can help employers meet their business goals - and help the business thrive," said CareerForce Career Counselor Glory Mitchell, who leads a regular online CareerForce workshop aimed at job seekers over 55. "CareerForce meets the older person where they are at but does not leave them there. If you want to work, we can help you achieve your employment goals."

• Ready to get started? Contact the helpful staff at a CareerForce location near you.