The number of age discrimination claims neared a record high last year and unemployment for those 55 and older has never been higher, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The company released its analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data at the end of last month.

However, the same analysis showed that age has its benefits, namely needed experience. According to the data, workers 55 and older represent the only segment of the population to experience net employment gains over the past year.

'The latest employment figures suggest that it is both a blessing and a curse to be
an older job seeker in America,' said CEO John A. Challenger in a prepared statement.