New ageism research shows Americans support cognitive testing for President, Congress, and workplaces

Comprehensive Ageism in the Workplace Study compares American attitudes on age at work and age expectations for lawmakers 

• Nearly 70% of respondents support cognitive testing for anyone over 75 seeking the Presidency or Congress
• 65% of Americans demanded age limits for political leaders, but only 28% supported age cutoffs in the workplace
• About 35% of respondents reported they had been discriminated against at work because of their age

New York, New York (February 12, 2023) – The Ladders Ageism in the Workplace Study showed American workers aren’t confident that aging political leaders have the mental fitness to do the job properly. The research also revealed most Americans wouldn’t want the same age restrictions placed on their own jobs that they’d like to see placed on politicians. 

Ladders, the career site for high paying jobs, in partnership with Guidant Polling & Strategy surveyed more than 1,000 American adults ranging from support staff to upper management, and across every income and work status. 

Older people are more likely to support cognitive testing requirements 

Nearly 70% of respondents support cognitive testing for anyone over 75 seeking the presidency,  a congressional office, or other federal office. People over 55 were dramatically more likely than younger respondents to support this testing.

Americans want age limits for elected office but not for the corner office 

The research found that while 65% or respondents demanded age limits for political leaders, only 28% supported age cutoffs in the workplace. “‘Fire old politicians but don’t touch my job,’ is what we heard in this survey,” said Ladders founder Marc Cenedella. “People clearly want much stricter limits on our elected leaders than they want applied to themselves.” 

Americans support career age limits – but not for everyone
While Americans as a whole mostly supported congressional age limits and mostly opposed company age limits, results among adults aged 55 and above were most telling. Only 20% of participants aged 55 and older said they support maximum age limits at companies. Overall, women were about 15% less likely than men to support any age limit. “We’re seeing a clear attitude of ‘limits for thee but not for me’ in these responses,” said Ladders Head of Growth Marketing John Mullinix. “That’s likely a self preservation mechanism. No one wants to become a target of age discrimination.”

Personal experiences
Most respondents said age discrimination in the workplace is common. About 35% of them reported they had been treated unfairly or discriminated against at work because of their age. Participants noted they’ve seen discrimination against both younger and older workers, though they felt there were more examples involving older workers. 

Mandatory Retirement age

Personal experiences also came into play when Americans considered mandatory retirement ages. More than 65% of respondents said elected officials should have to retire at age 75, while about 40% said companies should implement mandatory retirement at age 75. “It’s interesting to note that the older a respondent was, the less likely they were to support the mandated retirement age. So, I think it’s clear that people answer these questions from a frame of how it would impact them personally. For the youngest workers, 75 can feel very far away,” said John Mullinix, Chief Growth Officer at Ladders.

About Ladders, Inc.

Ladders, Inc., is the number one career site for professionals seeking six-figure jobs and ongoing vocational enrichment. Ladders services, including Apply4Me and Ladders Premium, make top-end professionals’ lives easier. Ladders has more than seven million members who use the platform to manage, market and move up in their careers. Learn more at theladders.com.

About Guidant Polling and Strategy (GPS)
Guidant Polling and Strategy (GPS) is a national political and public affairs research firm. GPS combines expertise in both research and the application of research to public affairs and political campaigns. Whether it’s managing the reputation of a large corporation, developing a messaging strategy in a public affairs effort, or devising a winning strategy at the ballot box, GPS designs research instruments to gain actionable knowledge. Learn more at guidantps.com. 

Media Contact: Laurie Monteforte | [email protected] | 570-656-3767