Financial insecurity drives older people to seek jobs, survey in Bengaluru finds

Financial difficulties are driving many older people to seek employment, while age-related bias in recruitment is emerging as a major barrier to finding work, a survey of senior jobseekers conducted by Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT) in Bengaluru has found.

The survey of 306 respondents at the 11th Job Fair for Senior Citizens highlighted the financial pressures faced by older people, many of whom continue to support family members even after retirement. It also points to the difficulties experienced by qualified and experienced candidates in securing jobs in a labour market where employers may favour younger applicants.

The job fair, organised by the Trust on October 11, brought together 692 senior jobseekers from diverse professional, technical, administrative and service backgrounds, along with 62 employers.

Financial pressure and age bias

The survey found that 69.9% of respondents supported at least one other person, while nearly half supported two or more people. Although 41.2% described themselves as financially independent, many continued to cite financial difficulties as a reason for seeking work, highlighting the difference between financial independence and security.

More than half the respondents, or 54.2%, said they had already applied for jobs. Among the 198 respondents who identified challenges in finding employment, 97, or approximately 49%, said employers preferred younger candidates. Difficulty finding suitable vacancies was another reported barrier. Lack of confidence, family responsibilities, transport and working hours were reported less frequently.

With 73.2% of respondents holding graduate or higher qualifications, the findings pointed to a pool of education and experience that could be put to productive use. Respondents expressed interest in administration, clerical and supervisory roles, consultancy, teaching and accounts.

Financial dependence, dignity

The survey also examined how financial circumstances affected the treatment of older people. While 42.8% said they were treated with respect regardless of their financial dependence, 32.4% reported unequal treatment, hesitation to express their needs or opinions, or neglect and unfair treatment linked to financial dependence.

The Trust’s cross-analysis found that fully financially dependent respondents reported greater difficulties than those who were financially independent.

The findings highlighted the link between financial security, personal autonomy and dignity in later life. Employment can provide older people not only with income but also with greater independence and the ability to participate in decisions affecting their lives, a press release from the Trust said.

Respectful workplaces and training

A respectful work environment was important to 73.5% of respondents, while 53.9% valued flexible working hours and 46.4% sought job security. Full-time employment was preferred by 222 respondents, or 72.5%. As many as 70.9% expected a monthly salary of more than ₹30,000.

The survey also found that 201 respondents, or 65.7%, were interested in training or unsure whether they needed it. Artificial intelligence tools, job-specific skills and basic computer skills were among the areas identified. The Trust said older women, who remain underrepresented among jobseekers and may face additional financial vulnerabilities, also needed greater attention. 

The Trust has called for age-inclusive recruitment, greater employer awareness of the value of experienced workers, accessible re-skilling programmes and jobs suited to older people’s qualifications and capabilities. It has also urged policymakers to address the financial vulnerability of senior citizens through stronger social protection.