Recession Shortens Lifespans Of Older Workers Who Lose Their Jobs

Despite a slight drop in the unemployment rate among older workers last month, many are finding that it still takes a long time to find work after being laid off. The length of joblessness among workers 55 and older rose to 52.7 weeks in August, much higher than the 36.1 weeks for younger workers, the Labor Department reported earlier this month.

What's more, workers in their late 50s and early 60s who experience job loss during a recession are likely to find that their health suffers, says a new study by researchers at Wellesley College.