“Not acknowledging that millions are dealing with mental health conditions is costing an enormous amount both in terms of dollars and cents and, more importantly, people's lives."
Arianna Huffington
Mental Health at Work Mini-Conference, May 2018
"I personally would like to thank Mind Share Partners for all of your support of this ERG and community from the very beginning when we were unsure, driven, and quite a bit scared on launching something that would make us so vulnerable. You provided resources and insight that gave us direction, hope, and reminded us that what we were creating would matter to our peers. To which, you were right. I'm thankful for Mind Share Partners, what you stand for and all that you're creating in this new area of diversity, inclusion, and belonging."
"After the Mind Share Partners conference, we created our own Mental Health Fund, since our health insurance excludes it, and talked about it so our team knew we had their back and they'd be covered for emergency care for suicidal thoughts, etc.
It's a start. Stigma runs deep. It's good that [Mind Share Partners] is helping workplaces talk about it!"
Just launched! Join our Mind Share Partners Institute certificate program.
Just launched! Join our Mind Share Partners Institute certificate program.
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Today, older workers sit at the intersection of a rapidly evolving landscape of work, the economy, and society.
This discovery report from Mind Share Partners provides an illustrative glimpse into the mental health of older workers in the U.S.
We spoke with a focus group of 32 older workers representing a diversity of backgrounds across industries, states, and employment types. We also include insights from experts, alongside existing research and reports.
The report shares timely lessons about work, life, and well-being for older workers, along with actionable insights on how employers can better support them. These strategies don’t just benefit an aging workforce—they can support all workers, regardless of age.
Defining "older workers"
We use the phrase “older workers,” a term commonly used by government agencies, researchers, and advocacy organizations like AARP. While definitions vary—often starting around age 50 or at traditional retirement age (around 67)—we recognize that age exists on a continuum shaped by social and cultural norms. In this report, we use the term broadly to describe people in mid-to-late career stages.
“At the end of the day, what I want most from a job is just keeping it, feeling like you’re wanted, that they want you in that chair the next day, that you’re appreciated.”
— Floral transportation, Illinois
Coming soon! Watch interviews with experts
Our report includes insights from eight experts across academia, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. We conducted deeper-dive interviews with several of them, exploring what they see as the biggest bright spots and challenges in supporting the mental health of older workers. These interviews highlight and expand on key themes from our report.
Ashton Applewhite
Author, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism
Co-founder, Old School Hub
Marci Alboher
Chief Engagement Officer (CxO), CoGenerate
Doug Dickson
Co-founder and Secretary, The Encore Network
Susan Wile Schwarz, MPH
Head of Programs,
Global Coalition on Aging
Managing Director,
High Lantern Group
