Small business thrives on hiring older workers. (Brief Article)

Small business and older workers have a mutual attraction, according to a 1991 Small Business Administration study. In 1988, companies with fewer than 25 employees hired more than two-thirds of newly hired workers aged 65 and over. In that year workers who were at least 65 and over represented 4.4% of all new hires in companies with up to 25 employees but only 1.4% of all new hires in companies with 100 or more employees.

There are several reasons for the attraction between older workers and small businesses.

* Many older workers prefer part-time employment, and small companies tend to offer more such opportunities than larger corporations. In 1988, over two-thirds …