North Bay Employers Rethink Hiring as Seniors Reenter Workforce

Rising costs and debt push more older workers to seek jobs, challenging perceptions about age and experience.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:52am

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As rising costs and debt remain high, the number of seniors in the North Bay job market is growing, with workers 65 and older projected to increase by 8.6% by 2032. Many are reentering the workforce or postponing retirement, pushing employers to rethink hiring practices and accommodate more flexible schedules. While seniors can offer stability, experience, and mentorship, they sometimes face challenges like ageism and misconceptions about their technological skills and physical abilities.

Why it matters

The influx of older workers in the North Bay highlights the need for employers to be more open-minded and accommodating in their hiring practices. Embracing the value that experienced seniors can bring, while addressing common stereotypes, could help companies fill critical roles and provide economic opportunities for an aging population.

The details

According to the article, over a quarter of Sonoma County's population is now over 60 years old. Many in this demographic are either postponing retirement or 'unretiring' to make ends meet amid rising costs and debt. However, seniors can face extra challenges when seeking jobs, as they are sometimes associated with having lower energy, higher pay expectations, and less technological savvy than younger workers. Employers may also be hesitant to hire seniors due to concerns about physical abilities, even though there are exceptions. The article notes that the job market has shifted, with more part-time, flexible, and project-based roles that could better suit seniors' needs. Recruiters and workforce development programs are working to connect experienced older workers with companies that value their skills and stability.

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects workers 65 and older will grow by 8.6% by 2032.
  • Jobless rates in North Bay counties remain more than 4.2% as of November 2023, according to the California Employment Development Department.

The players

Jack Buckhorn

North Bay Labor Council Executive Director, who says ageism is a real challenge for older workers seeking jobs.

Paul Dunaway

Sonoma County Human Services Adult and Aging division director, who views the devaluing of older workers' skills as a societal and cultural tendency rather than an ability issue.

Liz Sheehan

A recruiter at Robert Half Hiring Agency, who has witnessed seniors returning to the workforce after retiring 'too early' and feeling they have more to offer.

Charity Doronila

Sonoma County Human Services' employment and training division director, who emphasizes the importance of treating job applicants as individuals regardless of age.

Karen Alary

Managing partner of The Personnel Perspective in Santa Rosa, who says many firms have moved beyond the traditional Monday-through-Friday work model to better suit seniors' schedules.

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What they’re saying

“Ageism is a real thing. And in this time, it's more difficult if households need more jobs [to get by]. It's just very difficult for workers these days.”

— Jack Buckhorn, North Bay Labor Council Executive Director

“If you didn't grow up in the technology era, companies may not be set up to accommodate you (in training). There's a huge disconnect that devalues a whole population able to do the work.”

— Paul Dunaway, Sonoma County Human Services Adult and Aging division director

“They still feel dynamic and miss being part of a team. They may be bored [in retirement].”

— Liz Sheehan, Recruiter at Robert Half Hiring Agency

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy moments related to this story.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing trend of seniors reentering the North Bay workforce, driven by financial pressures and a desire for purpose. It underscores the need for employers to be more open-minded and accommodating in their hiring practices to tap into the valuable experience and stability that older workers can provide, while also addressing common stereotypes and misconceptions about their abilities.