Artificial intelligence is impacting jobs in virtually every industry. Now, a new study on workforce trends shows that AI may be disproportionately impacting older workers.

A recent report from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that workers ages 55 and older in occupations with high exposure to artificial intelligence have become more likely to leave the workforce since the introduction of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The findings don't necessarily mean AI is forcing people into retirement, but they do raise important questions about how rapidly evolving technology may be influencing career decisions later in life.

The Research Found Higher Exit Rates in AI-Exposed Occupations

Geoffrey Sanzenbacher, an economist, conducted and published his research based on data from the US Census Bureau. The study focused on the public release of ChatGPT in 2022. Researchers compared workers in occupations considered highly exposed to AI, such as computer programmers, accountants, and other knowledge-based professions, with workers in occupations less likely to be affected by automation.

According to Sanzenbacher’s research, employees aged 55 and older working in highly AI-exposed jobs were approximately 25% more likely to leave the workforce after generative AI became widely available than similar workers had been before AI adoption accelerated. The study also found that occupations with relatively low AI exposure saw little to no change in retirement and workforce exit patterns.

AI May Influence Retirement Decisions in Several Ways

Experts agree that there’s not a universal way in which AI is impacting older employees. The research found that some older workers feel forced to obtain new skills and licensures to continue working in fields that are being heavily impacted by the increase in AI. Many of them feel like the ongoing training isn’t a worthwhile investment if they’re nearing retirement. In certain cases, employers may also reorganize job responsibilities as AI automates routine tasks, prompting experienced employees to reconsider whether they want to remain in the workforce.

Sanzenbacher emphasized that the study does not conclude AI is eliminating these occupations. Instead, the technology may be encouraging some workers who were already nearing retirement to leave somewhat earlier than they otherwise would have.

High AI Exposure Doesn't Necessarily Mean Poor Job Security

One of the most shocking revelations uncovered by the study was the fact that highly AI-exposed occupations remain attractive careers overall. There has been an abundance of conversations about how AI might make certain industries unappealing, but the data doesn’t back up that claim.

Many of the jobs in AI-exposed fields are less physically demanding than other industries. They also typically offer higher pay and historically allow people to spend more years earning income. Even after accounting for the recent increase in workforce exits, employees in AI-intensive professions generally continue working longer than individuals in many manual labor occupations.

Ultimately, this means that AI might impact the time of retirement for some workers. However, it’s not making these careers less desirable for the workforce at large.

The Broader Conversation Extends Beyond Older Workers

Sanzenbacher’s findings come in the middle of widespread conversations about how AI in the workplace is impacting recent college graduates. Recent studies have suggested that entry-level workers are facing higher skill expectations as AI handles more routine responsibilities, while companies increasingly value employees who can combine technical expertise with judgment, creativity, and interpersonal skills. At the same time, many business leaders argue that AI is more likely to augment existing jobs than replace entire professions.

When viewed together, these studies highlight the fact that the relationship between artificial intelligence and jobs is not uniform. Instead, the influence of AI depends on the type of work being performed, the industry involved, and how individual organizations choose to implement the technology.

What the Findings Mean Going Forward

The Boston College research offers an early look at how artificial intelligence may be influencing workforce participation among older Americans, but many questions remain unanswered.

It’s widely viewed as a foregone conclusion that AI adoption will continue over the coming years, making it even more important to monitor how the current workforce trends progress. Additional studies will likely examine whether similar patterns emerge across industries, education levels, and different age groups.

AI’s workforce impact is a complex topic, and it’s expected to only become more nuanced as technology continues to advance. As businesses continue integrating AI into daily operations, the challenge will be ensuring workers of every generation have the tools and support needed to adapt to an evolving world of work.

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