(Transcript from World News Australia Radio)
Experts say the Australian economy is losing billions of dollars a year by not fully utilising the skills of its older workforce.
And as the population continues to age - the problem of age discrimination is expected to become worse.
Greg Navarro reports.
While age has been kind to 79-year-old Robert Talbott, he hasn't been able to escape the perception that he's too old to continue working.
Five years ago, he received a letter stating that his services as a tour bus driver were no longer needed.
"People think I'm younger than I am. I was due to come back in August and September on a casual basis when I received a letter. I thought to myself can people do that? And I thought, no they can't."
Robert Talbott filed an age discrimination case against his employer, and was awarded $25,000.
Susan Ryan is the federal Age Discrimination Commissioner.
She says the problem of age discrimination is something all Australians pay for.
"It's very wrong to be told you can't do something because of your age alone. We'll lose over $10 billion every year because people are on benefits instead of working earning saving for their super."
Experts say about a third of people over the age of 55 have experienced age discrimination at some point - whether it happens in a shop or in the workplace.
And that's where age discrimination is most prevelant for older people - in the job search.
Susan Ryan says more than two-million Australians over 55 want to work - but can't get a job - mainly because of their age.
"It's devastating for a person who has worked all their life. Maybe they've worked 40 years or more, they've been successful employees, they've always done what they've required to do, they've raised a family, they've been good community members, suddenly to be told 'you've had too many birthdays, you're useless'."
Sageco is a Sydney-based company that works with businesses to help them realise the value of older workers.
Alison Monroe is the general manager.
"We look at the cost of replacing those people if they were to leave, and in industries like engineering or finance, you can be looking at one one and a half times an annual salary to replace that person and their wealth and knowledge of skills."
