Tapping Into Wisdom: Seniors as a Solution to Workforce Shortages

In 1969, geriatrician Robert Butler coined the term ageism, defining it as a combination of prejudicial attitudes toward older people, aging, and old age itself. Since then, ageism has found its way into the Oxford English Dictionary—and unfortunately, still exists in many industries today, including Long-Term Care.

The sector now faces a choice: continue seeing older workers through the lens of bias or recognize them as a powerful and underutilized resource. At the same time, another labor pool—immigrants—is increasingly constrained by regulatory and political challenges.

The disadvantages of aging in the workforce are often discussed, but what’s less known are the many advantages. As noted by Applegate, older brains show surprising resilience. In fact, neuroimaging reveals that by age 80, changes in the frontal lobe often enhance emotional regulation, helping older adults better manage anger, envy, and fear. They also tend to experience less social anxiety and fewer social phobias. +(“This Chair Rocks” by Ashton Applewhite)

What’s more, seniors bring decades of lived experience. Their emotional maturity and grace under pressure make them excellent mentors and role models for younger colleagues. Many Long-Term Care organizations have already embraced this strategy—with great results.

Take St. Monica’s Senior Living in Racine, for example. There, 88-year-old Bernice Wikstrom coordinates medical appointments, organizes transportation for residents, and assists with podiatry visits. Bernice’s presence is more than just practical—it’s personal.

“The residents seek me out,” Bernice shares. “They identify with me.” Her connection with residents goes beyond tasks—they trust her, and that trust creates a stronger, more compassionate care environment. Bernice also finds personal fulfillment in the role: “I feel like I make a difference. It’s why I went into nursing in the first place.” Her colleagues benefit too, drawing on her past experience as a former nursing home administrator.

And it’s not just in healthcare. Walk into a Menards store, and you'll often find customers lined up to speak with senior employees about home improvement advice. More recently, even Kwik Trip has started to follow suit, recognizing the unique value older workers bring.

Perhaps the solution to our workforce shortage is right in front of us. It's time we stopped seeing age as a limitation—and started seeing it as an asset.

Let’s embrace this strategy and unlock the wisdom already among us.