Presumptive presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump share two distinctly non-political titles by category. Baby Boomer and Senior Citizen. We don't think of referring to them that way, because it hasn't become a job performance issue in this race. Hillary is 68-years-old and Trump recently turned 70. Their vitality is self-evident.

If the campaign says anything about age, whether it be Clinton, Trump or Bernie Sanders, few have not marveled at the stamina they've shown during a grueling primary season. Forget for a moment the politics involved, as hard as that might be, these candidates are unintentionally positioned to become role models for a greater senior workforce that needs to be valued, emboldened and increased.

Each day 10,000 Baby Boomers are projected to reach the age of 65. Yet the prejudice of age discrimination lurks behind too many corners of this generation's life. Especially if you are a woman. Ageism and sexism unfortunately go hand in hand, and both are rampant.

If Clinton is elected president of the United States, she will not only break the glass ceiling of that office, but will help break another employment barrier that millions of women face every day. Age. Clinton would be 69-years-old at the time of her inauguration, the same age as Ronald Reagan. Most women can't get a job of any kind at her age, no matter how qualified they are or how hard they work. And prior to Trump entering the race, Republicans tried to raise the “age issue” against Clinton.

Women over 55 are confronted with employers who only see value in youth. If they are able to find jobs, it's often for less pay. Senior men face discrimination as well, but they have an easier time finding more jobs at higher pay scales. A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research puts it succinctly: "For women, age discrimination starts earlier and never relents." 

Age discrimination has been illegal since 1967. It needs to end. Our next senior president will have an opportunity to focus on the issue if she/he chooses. The political lift needed seems small compared to the economic impact on millions of unemployed Boomers who also vote. Our workplaces need to be age mixed and open to all who are qualified. Just like our White House.