ESL WORKSHEET - Elderly people and workforce

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

TOO OLD TO WORK

LinguaHouse

Oct. 2, 2026

Level: Upper-intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of language: Business English
Tags: Controversial Issues; Business People; Ethics and Conduct; Companies and Jobs; Problems at Work; Work; Speaking; Article Based; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 10/02/2026

This lesson concerns the growing trend of elderly workers continuing in their jobs past the standard age of retirement. A listening exercise focuses on age discrimination, and why it might be important to keep elderly people as part of the workforce. The reading exercise looks at the potential problems of elderly people holding important positions. There is also a role-play exercise and a game involving flashcards. (by Joey Vaughan-Birchby)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Host: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, we're joined by Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for ‘Eldercare Compass’, a charity that supports the elderly. Let’s jump right in - just how common is age discrimination?
Sarah: Well, let me tell you about Susan, a vibrant and capable woman in her early 60s. She was dedicated to her job in retail and carried it out incredibly well, but one day she was let go without any valid reason. Her boss, who spent no time on the factory floor, believed younger employees would be more productive. It is a heartbreaking and increasingly common situation that many older workers experience, and often these people are unaware of how to use the law to defend their position.
Host: So, how does ‘Eldercare Compass’ support individuals like Susan?
Sarah: ‘Eldercare Compass’ provides legal advice and emotional support to those who feel they've been unfairly targeted due to their age. We also advocate for fair employment practices and offer resources to empower seniors with information to fight discrimination.
Host: Aging populations are a global concern. Why do you believe it’s important for elderly individuals to continue working?
Sarah: Currently, Japan and Germany are what we call super-aged countries, meaning that one in five people is aged 65 or above. They will be joined, before 2030 by the UK, France, and Singapore. This means, in simple terms, that unless we’re sensible, we won’t be able to afford to support ourselves as nations.
Host: What can we do about it?
Sarah: Governments urgently need to create cohesive policies and enact laws that adapt to the fact that people are living significantly longer than historic retirement ages. These policies should not only acknowledge this demographic shift, but also make the most of the economic contributions of older workers and retirees.
Host: And, presumably, workers like Susan should be protected, not victimized?
Sarah: Exactly. Also, let’s not underestimate the knowledge, experience, and skills of older workers to maintain productivity and encourage younger members of staff. We feel that the Susans of this world should be celebrated, not victimized.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/business-english/too-old-to-work. Accessed on November 3, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.