WASHINGTON ─ Older workers are not only eager to learn new skills and technology, according to a new report from AARP and LinkedIn, they’re taking steps to strengthen their capabilities. Over the last three years, workers age 50 and older increased their share of LinkedIn Learning sessions on technology topics from 19% in 2022 to 27% in 2025.

In addition to completing more technology trainings, the share of “disruptive tech” skills, such as cybersecurity, data science, and human-computer interaction, listed on LinkedIn has grown for workers of all ages over the last five years, but more so for older workers (25%) than younger ones (13%). For tech skills overall (both disruptive and other tech), older workers increased their share by 1.4%.

“This report demonstrates that older workers are increasing their tech skills, debunking outdated assumptions about older workers and technology.” said Debra Whitman, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP. “Employers reap the rewards when workplaces include workers of all ages and offer training and upskilling opportunities to all employees.”  

AARP research shows that 90% of workers enjoy working with people of different ages and 86% say mentorship has been important to their professional growth. Younger workers share tech and AI skills more often and older workers share expertise, institutional knowledge, and soft skills. Still, 40% of younger workers say their older colleagues help them stay current with tech trends.

As older workers grow their tech skill sets and connect those with soft skills built over decades, they are more likely to hold roles insulated from generative AI disruption—49% of older workers compared to 42% of younger ones. These roles rely on skills such as leadership, judgment, and collaboration, which AI cannot easily replicate.

“Employers who embrace and support a multigenerational workforce and encourage collaboration between older and younger workers have the potential to drive better business outcomes,” said Matthew Baird, Senior Staff Economist, LinkedIn. When the skills and strengths of people from different generations are combined, both workers and employers stand to benefit ─ from higher retention rates, stronger teams, and greater innovation.”

View the full report and find AARP’s resources for employers at aarp.org/employers.   

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, and its vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce. The Economic Graph Research Institute (EGRI) works in support of this vision, utilizing LinkedIn’s unparalleled data to conduct research that brings us closer to this goal. Our greatest strength lies in the depth of our data, alongside our team of committed researchers who delve into pressing issues affecting the global workforce.