Employment and Engagement MASTER PLAN FOR AGING

California's workforce is aging. Financial insecurity is a problem for many older adults. Older workers remain underrepresented in workforce data and program design. With data-informed action, state planning and advocacy can better support their needs.

California is conducting the Older Workers in the California Economy Study as part of the Master Plan for Aging (MPA). This study is a first-of-its-kind for California. The findings will inform state policy, program design, and fiscal planning.

The study uses data, interviews, and focus groups to answer these key questions:

• Who makes up the older workforce (age 50+) in California's labor market today? (age, race/ethnicity, gender, homeownership, earnings, and jobs)
• Who is the most vulnerable to job loss, unstable income, or labor force exit and why?
• How well do current programs support older workers?
• What happens to older workers after job loss? Which policies or programs support reemployment?
• How might an aging population and economic changes shift California's workforce? How should the public system respond to these changes?

Core Deliverables (by late 2026)

• A main public report with key findings and implications
• Fact sheets and infographics
• A chartbook with detailed data

Dissemination and Impact
We will develop short and focused materials to share with policymakers and stakeholders. Our dissemination goals include the following:

• Highlight the needs of low-income older workers in statewide planning
• Find clear ways to transform research findings into actionable changes
• Create a model that other states can use to support their older workforce