The economic downturn is resulting in a higher unemployment rate for older workers. The Department of Labor reported that the number of unemployed workers age 55 and older increased 23% from last year. Older workers worry they are hitting the 'silver ceiling', when experience and age is a liability rather than an asset.
See "Maturing Boomers Smack into the 'Silver Ceiling'", Stephanie Armour, USA Today, August 15, 2001