BreakThrough practices are human resource-related programs, policies, systems or other actions that expand opportunities or overcome barriers to engaging adults over 50 in good work. While these practices are successfully engaging adults over 50, they are not necessarily "exclusive" to any one segment of the workforce; to the contrary, it is likely that as the workplace is reshaped it will offer broader benefits for men and women of all ages.

Some examples:

• An organization recruits people over 50 through retiree websites and alumni associations and matches them with flexible-schedule jobs in social service and government agencies.
• To recruit and retain experienced nurses, a hospital creates new part-time patient counselor jobs and offers seasonal-work positions with full year benefits.
• A program offers paid internships for adults over 50 to apply their skills as they explore new careers in the environmental field.
• A government agency extends its programs for working parents to employees who are responsible for the care of their grandchildren.
• A school district pays stipends to experienced adults tutoring students in math and science.
• A non profit creates new part-time or part-year jobs that attract older adults seeking meaningful, flexible work.