Topic Page

Work & Aging Disparities 

As people age, persistent discrimination in the labor market widens disparities in employment and earnings. These inequalities have long-lasting negative and cumulative impacts on economic security, health, disability, and well-being, leaving disproportionate shares of discriminated groups in poverty, poor health, and disability. Groups experiencing labor market discrimination include African Americans, Latinos, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ people, older workers, and people with felony convictions.

Similarly, a lifetime of work that is more dangerous, lower paying, and/or that reinforces subordination exacerbates long-term health divides and affects health and well-being in old age.

Meet the Researchers

  • Jess Hardie

  • Frank Heiland

  • Na Yin

  • Duygu Basaran Sahin

  • Mara Sheftel