Age Preferences: How Old is “Too Old” for Selected Service Providers Among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults?

This study investigated age preferences for 11 different service providers and the age at which workers in these occupational roles were considered to be “too old” by three age groups: young (18–24), middle-aged (35–55), and older adults (65 +). Results indicate that in comparison to middle-aged and older adults, young adults continue to have unrealistic age preferences and, at a time when the workforce is becoming increasingly older, feel that many workers are too old. The hypothesis of a positive relationship between age group and age preference was not supported; there were few significant differences between the middle-age and older adults.