In today’s rapidly evolving world of work, businesses that fail to embrace an age-inclusive workforce risk stagnation.

At Talent Connect United Kingdom 2025, Lyndsey Simpson, CEO and founder of 55/Redefined, brought this issue into sharp focus during her keynote session, Ageless Talent: Redefining the Future of Work. With a career spent championing over-50s talent, Lyndsey is widely recognized as a subject matter expert on longevity, the future of work, and multigenerational workforce strategies.

Lyndsey opened her keynote with a striking prediction: “By 2030, 47% of the U.K. workforce will be aged over 50.” She was unequivocal in her warning: “If you don’t have an age strategy, you don’t have a growth strategy.”

Build the business case for age inclusion

People are living and working longer, yet many businesses haven’t adapted. “The first thing that you have to do is recognize that you have a challenge,” Lyndsey said. “And that starts with data. You need to understand the age profile of your workforce. . . . Until then, you can’t possibly understand the opportunities there are or risks you need to solve for.”

Her point is reinforced by compelling data from 55/Redefined research:

• 56% of over-50s want to continue working beyond 65.
• 89% would take a pay cut to switch industries or reskill.
• 92% would delay retirement if given the opportunity to reskill.
• 82% have not been contacted by a recruiter in the past year.
  

This data tells a clear story: Older professionals are motivated, flexible, and eager to grow — yet they too often remain overlooked.  

Debunking the myths

Lyndsey tackled common age-related stereotypes head-on: “We need to debunk the idea that older workers are less capable or unwilling to learn,” she said. “In fact, they are ready and willing to upskill. What’s missing is opportunity.”

She emphasized that AI and other transformative technologies are creating demand for the wisdom of experienced workers. “We now need our most experienced professionals to train our AI,” Lyndsey said. “That’s why organizations are unretiring or reskilling their midlife workforce to train AI data tools.”

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