The book "Microserfs" by Douglas Coupland addresses the issue of individuals in their fifties being displaced from the workforce due to corporate downsizing. This demographic faces a challenge, as the economy seems to overlook their value and contributions, leading to concerns about their future and place in society.

Coupland reflects on how the perception of being fifty has changed significantly over time; in the past, it marked a stage of life closer to its end, whereas today it represents an era filled with potential issues and unknowns. The emotional impact of this shift highlights the need for society to reconsider how it supports and integrates older workers into the economy.