People in their 50s who are unemployed are less likely to find jobs than your children. It's because they are in a age gap where they are overqualified to get jobs that younger people can do, and too young for retirement.

It's forcing many people between the ages of 50 and 64 to be creative when it comes to making money.

"It can be extremely frustrating," said Jerry Dumont.

He is one of the lucky ones. At fifty four years old, Jerry owns his own business and recommends the older generation create jobs for themselves.

"If the person is entrepreneurial, and has a real vision, and a passion for what they are doing, and willing to take calculated risks," he said.

If you aren't willing to take those risks, Patrick Barker with the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission says a few tweaks will help people 50 and older get that job they apply for.

"Stopping by your Virginia Employment Commission," said Patrick. "They run a lot of resume shops that help folks, who have been out of a job placement for awhile, to get a more fresher resume. Plus, going to a community college."

According to a recent study, workers in their 50s are about 20% less likely than workers ages 25 to 34 to become re-employed.

It made us wonder, what do employers look for in a person when hiring.

"They want folks who can show up on time, and can work as a team, can think outside the box, yet still within the box, and are honest and hardworking."

About 23,000 age discrimination complaints were filed with the equal employment opportunity commission in the 2012 fiscal year.

Although that may seem like a high number, experts say, proving your case is nearly impossible unless it's very obvious.

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