A new Resume Now survey reveals that 90% of workers over 50 are taking training to stay competitive—often funding it themselves. The Silver-Collar Growth Report highlights how older professionals are redefining resilience, adapting to new technologies, and calling for greater workplace flexibility.
Older professionals are refusing to fade quietly from the workforce. Instead, they’re investing in themselves to stay competitive in an evolving job market. According to Resume Now’s Silver-Collar Growth Report, 90% of American workers over 50 have pursued training in the past two years to keep their skills current, and more than half have paid for that training out of their own pockets.
The report, based on responses from nearly 900 U.S. workers aged 50 and above, challenges outdated assumptions about this demographic. Far from resisting change, older workers are leading a quiet revolution in adaptability and self-motivation—proving that experience and curiosity go hand in hand.
The pressure to keep up
Technology is one of the defining stress points for today’s workforce, and older professionals feel that pressure acutely. Nearly 60% of respondents said they feel constant pressure to keep up with new digital tools. Yet rather than giving in to that challenge, they are rising to meet it—through online courses, mentorship, and professional certifications.
- 90% have taken work-related training in the past two years.
- 51% paid for that training out of pocket.
- 39% said their employers covered the costs.
Keith Spencer, Resume Now’s career expert, sees this as evidence of resilience, not resistance. “The story here is not about fear of change—it’s about commitment,” he explained. “Older professionals are adapting quickly and often with limited support. Employers who want to retain this talent must focus on flexibility, relevance, and genuine inclusion.”
Flexibility as the key to retention
The report also makes it clear that older workers are not looking to exit—they’re looking for better conditions to stay. When asked what would encourage them to remain in the workforce longer, flexibility ranked highest.
- 56% want flexible work hours.
- 49% say remote or hybrid roles would keep them engaged.
- 30% seek less physically demanding positions.
This data underscores a critical shift in workplace priorities. As companies grapple with labour shortages and the need for institutional knowledge, offering flexible work options could be the key to keeping seasoned professionals on board.
Finding meaning in work
Beyond paycheques and perks, older workers are deeply connected to their professional identities. A striking 91% said their work remains meaningful, while 89% said their career is a core part of who they are. This sense of purpose not only sustains engagement but also enriches workplaces with mentorship, stability, and perspective.
In an era often defined by rapid turnover and quiet quitting, these numbers reflect a workforce segment driven by pride and passion. They aren’t simply working longer—they’re working smarter and seeking roles that value their experience.
The silver-collar workforce is here to stay
The Silver-Collar Growth Report is a timely reminder that age diversity is not a challenge but a strength. Older professionals are eager to contribute, learn, and grow—provided the workplace evolves with them. For employers, the opportunity is clear: adapt policies to meet these workers halfway through flexibility, tech training, and an inclusive culture, and reap the benefits of their dedication.
The future of work, it seems, isn’t just young—it’s seasoned, skilled, and still evolving.
To read the full report, visit Resume Now’s Silver-Collar Growth Report.