A survey of more than 725 federal, state, and local government agencies received a 30 percent response indicating that 52 percent provide preretirement education (considerably less than the private sector); public agencies emphasize financial more than psychosocial or physical issues; and public sector programs make little postretirement contact…

According to 200 usable responses from 725 government agencies, about 25% mandate preretirement programs, 52% offer them. Their use as a strategy to open career paths may backfire and discourage retirement. Many of these programs are failing to recognize the growing diversity of the workforce. (SK)