The aging work force. Challenges for the occupational health nurse

1. By the year 2000, 49% of the work force will be between the ages of 35 and 54, and 8 million persons will be older than age 80. 2. Older workers are highly valued because they have a lower rate of absenteeism, are generally popular with the public, and adjust easily to job retraining and the acquisition of new job skills. 3. The emphasis of care will be "protective prevention" and health maintenance with a focus on reducing the decline in workers' health status. 4. A vital role of occupational health nurses is to assist aging employees in accomplishing work goals and successfully planning for the future.