A study was conducted to determine the role of the older worker in the American labor force, to analyze reasons behind the changing role of the older worker, and to make recommendations for employers, unions, and the government on age-neutral personnel policies responsive to the needs of an increasingly older work force. Data on the demographic, social, and economic trends expected to emerge in the 1980s revealed that factors such as inflation, changing retirement policies, and improved health care will result in increased older adult participation in the work force. Twenty-six recommendations were made in the areas of hiring and separation, pay and benefits, assessing and counseling, and training and development to ensure that policies in these areas are consonant with a working-life potential which has increased by five to ten years. In addition, thirteen recommendations including a call for expanded use of alternative work schedules, reassignment of older workers to different duties, access to further education, and expanded outplacement were made to extend employee working lives. Six recommendations were made calling for increased union and Comprehensive Employment Training Act participation in retraining, counseling, and placing older workers. (MN)