Working Forward: Finish Line

Across Arizona, older workers are facing a growing challenge: Ageism in the workplace. As industries evolve and technology rapidly advances, many seasoned professionals find themselves overlooked for promotions, retraining opportunities or even new jobs. Yet despite these obstacles, countless senior employees are proving that experience, resilience and adaptability don’t fade with age.

In this episode of “Working Forward,” host Kathleen Bade explores the realities of workplace discrimination against older workers and the inspiring ways people are pushing back. From navigating shifting job markets to embracing new technologies, today’s older professionals are showing relevance is about mindset, not birthdate.

We take a look at the WorkingNation short documentary film “Finish Line,” the story of a New York advertising executive who chooses not to share his age with younger colleagues, instead relying on decades of insight and creativity to stay competitive in a high-energy industry. Then there’s a remarkable woman who, at 81 years old, reinvented her career by stepping away from the courtroom and into her daughter’s diner, proving that career reinvention after 60, 70 or even 80 is possible.

These stories highlight the persistence, ingenuity and courage of older employees who refuse to be defined by stereotypes. They remind us workforce diversity includes age and that employers who value wisdom alongside innovation gain a competitive edge.

This episode goes beyond personal stories; it’s a conversation about how to thrive in a culture that often sidelines older talent. Hear insight from a geriatric doctor, a former journalist turned math teacher and the WorkingNation film’s director. And we ask the hard questions: How can older professionals stay competitive in a changing workforce? And how do we reshape the narrative so that age and experience are seen as assets, not barriers?